Loving With An Open Hand

This past week while sharing with friends, we talked about the desire and need to be loved with an open hand. While listening to the radio a while back there was a pastor who reflected on the same message in terms of how we are to love the things and people here on earth. The message was that change is inevitable if we are to be used of God, and that means being able to let go of things we are attached to here on earth. If we view life here with a open hand and stewards of God's blessings instead of owners, then we do not get upset as things come and go in our lives.

This is easy with some things yet harder with others. The question to ask is, " Is there something I am not willing to allow to leave my life if that is what God asks of me?" Remember the rich young man that God loved who had done everything, right according to the law yet God said this to him in Luke 18:18-23.

[18] A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

[19] "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good -- except God alone. [20] You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"

[21] "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.

[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

Questions to consider. Are we missing out on God's greatest blessings for us because things are more important than surrender? Do we  trust God enough to let go of our "stuff" or relationships and let him become the center of our lives, for our good and the good of others around us? Do we love others with an open hand?

May we all be encouraged to take inventory of our lives today and consider where we may be holding on and not loving openly. Blessings to you and yours today as we show God's love to those around us, with an open hand.