Everything in the Kingdom of God is upside down and backwards compared to how we as humans think. The best Kingdom gifts, the ones that give us the most pleasure and the most joy, are the ones we give away.

In Matthew 7:2, Jesus says, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” That means we need to give away what we want to get. For example, to save your life, you lose it (Luke 9:24). To get the place of honor, give it away (Luke 14:7-11).

Give away what you want.

Do you want to be rich? Then give money away (Malachi 3:10). Do you want mercy from God? Then show others mercy (Matthew 18:23-25).

See the principle here?

Do you want people to overlook and ignore your mistakes? Then overlook and ignore their mistakes. Do you want people to listen to you? Then listen to them. Do you want people to think you’re important? Be humble and treat them like they are important.

Even Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself and became nothing, taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7), for the sake of the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2).

In the Kingdom, we write our own Christmas list. We receive what we give away.

A Christmas Challenge

Do you want to really receive peace on earth and goodwill to all this Christmas? Then let’s give it away.

I’ve seen the demeanor of cranky store clerks change when I just said something nice to them that built them up, instead of tearing them down (2 Corinthians 10:8).

Today’s Action Step: I will be mindful of my interactions with people. Especially when they are being mean and cranky, I will try to make their day. Then Jesus will make my day.

Your Turn

How about you? What are you giving away this holiday season that you want to receive back? Have you seen this principle work? Tell us in the comments or shoot us an email. And please share on Facebook (or your fav social media channel) if you think this would bless someone else.