Purposeful Gratitude: The Heart of OutreachSample
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Day 1: Compelled by Love
Let’s begin with Jesus. Take just a moment to think about how great His love is for you. God sent His Son already knowing all of our mistakes and struggles. He knew that even after we realized our need for Him and decided to have a relationship with Him, we’d struggle to make it a priority. He knew that even after giving everything, some would still never accept Him. And He did it anyway.
God’s love is unprecedented and unfathomable.
This is where we begin our conversation about outreach because, without the love of God, it’s really just doing nice things for people. And that’s good, even admirable, but God wants so much more for us.
When we acknowledge the finished work of Jesus on the cross, it transforms our perspective. We lift our eyes and begin to see people the way God does: as valuable children of God. This shift in vision changes our hearts and compels us to engage in outreach, not out of obligation, but from a heart overflowing with gratitude. And this changes everything.
Loving God and loving people will always go hand-in-hand, so let’s spend some time thinking about how they work together. Let’s come into alignment with the heart of God and the true nature He’s given us.
Start here: What are the implications of an all-powerful God loving you, knowing your worst day, and still choosing you? How can that help you see others with a fresh perspective today?
About this Plan
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Most of us know outreach is important, but life is busy, and it’s hard to even know where to start. It doesn’t have to be complicated. This devotional will help you reconnect to God’s heart for His people. When we take time to reflect on all God has done for us, we begin to see others like He does, and compassion is a natural response.
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