Advent Devotional – 12.31.2021
Phil and Melody Plisky
John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Jesus’ purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life. What does richness look like? Just monetary wealth? Satisfying because we have many possessions? We think a rich and satisfying life means abundance in relationships. How do we have abundance in relationships? It may be a bit counterintuitive. It is by giving in a relationship.
We once heard that you can determine a high-quality relationship when each person believes that the other person gives way more than they get. And when you love someone you serve them. Love is an action. We are taught by the world to look out for ourselves and seek happiness. But in reality, joy is only found in giving to others. Pursuit of otherworldly, self-serving happiness is temporary and shallow. Leaving us with an empty feeling.
Jesus is the ultimate example of selfless giving in relationships. He ultimately gave the greatest sacrifice: giving up His position as God and becoming a servant. Ultimately giving His life on a cross. Let us continue this traditional season of giving well into and through the new year by committing to give in our relationships and enjoy Christ’s abundant blessings that follow.
Jesus please help us try to out-give in all of our relationships. Particularly the relationships in which we feel that we have been hurt. Let us be servants in all we do. We can only do this with Your help. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.