Deserving

I have a hard time using the phrase "I do or don't deserve this or that." Jesus, who was without sin, suffered on the cross for me to give me life. He was tortured, spat on, left to die. He most definitely did not deserve that. Who am I to complain or make myself feel entitled to anything in this world?  The truth is, I am a sinner who is saved by grace on a daily basis by a God whom I fail quite often. What does God do? He loves me anyway, He never abandons me,  He lavishes me with gifts. The greatest love I have ever known. If anyone deserves anything, it is God who deserves to have the very best of me, all the time. He deserves for me to be obedient to His Word, to do things that will help bring others closer to Him. I can start by giving love, compassion, and forgiveness to my brothers and sisters and by serving those in the world around me.

God often works through us to help one another and provide our needs. I know that I can't earn God's grace or love but I have realized that the more love I give to the world the more I get in return. The less concerned I am with what I do or don't deserve the more open my heart becomes to God's gentle whisper. God honors those who love Him and walk according to His will. I'm not saying that I do things with the expectation that I will get something in return. I do them with a loving heart because it's the least and best thing I could do to show my love and gratitude for the One who gave it all for me. I can't say that I have been or am always obedient to those whispers but I know it brings God so much glory and honor when I do. When I am obedient to God's instructions for me, I am more available for Him to do work in and through me. He blesses me so I can be a blessing to others. Simply put, God always gives me His very best. And when I give Him my best in return, I find myself walking in His perfect will.  And He deserves all the praise for that!