“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” — Matthew 7:12 NKJV
Love is reciprocal. Someone must give it, and another must receive (and sometimes respond) to it.
When God loved the world, He gave us Jesus to die and take away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 1 John 2:2). Nevertheless, He wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Why? Because He wants everyone to receive the gift of His love – Jesus.
Now Jesus explains this principle differently in Matthew 7:9-12. He said that even earthly parents give their children what they ask for. In God’s case, He knew we needed a Saviour and had provided Jesus for us.
God didn’t ask our permission to give us His Son. He envisioned our need and provided Jesus ahead of time. Why? His expectation is different. He wants to receive us through Christ’s salvation, so He has placed eternal life in His Son, and through Jesus, we will be saved.
This spiritual principle can be applied in the context of relationships. In other words, you must check what you give if you don’t like what you receive from the other person.
You can’t give a lion dead meat and expect it to eat. In the same way, you can’t treat your partner poorly and expect him (or her) to treat you well. That isn’t about karma; it’s a principle. You reap what you sow. So if you don’t like your harvest, change the kind of seed you sow.
Review your expectations and give what will bring out and sustain a godly attitude in your partner. Remember that humans are too precious to treat as rags. Value people.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Father, I pray today that teach me to see value in the people you’ve given me to assist me to develop my faith in You. Give me discerning eyes to treat everyone as Your Son would have treated them for Your glory. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 075