Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the one who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones.

[From Let Gratitude Show You the Way: A 21-Day Devotional Guide, Herald House, 2012]

Receiving God’s grace and love liberates us to share them. Generosity is a virtue rather than an act. Our ability to be generous emerges from a spirit of thankfulness and not debt. When we open ourselves up, God blesses beyond measure. God’s blessings transform us and we want to respond. We respond out of gratitude and not out of indebtedness.

With God’s generosity there is no “debt of gratitude.” God is not keeping track of the blessings provided with expectation of return. God does not want us to respond because we feel like we have to respond. God simply blesses. When we are vulnerable to divine grace, we are open to receiving these blessings and we become more generous like God. When we respond out of gratitude, we keep the gift moving as we pass on what we have received.

In what ways does your view of generosity change when it stems from a place of gratitude rather than a place of indebtedness?

What are you grateful for today?

Prayer Phrase

“For everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4).

Spiritual Practice

Joy of Gratitude

Stand, if possible, with arms outstretched. Imagine God filling your arms with all that you have: family, friends, and possessions. Hold out your arms until they feel tired. Now, bring your arms across your body. Place your hand over your heart and thank God for the abundance that fills your life. Sit for a time aware of that abundance. Then ask God to help you open your heart in gratitude and share freely with others.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.