The Greatest GiftSample

Gather In Love

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.

—Romans 12:16 (AMP)

I’m so excited that you have chosen to participate in this study! The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. There’s something so special about the lights, decorations, food, and family gatherings. But at the very center of it all is Jesus, the very reason for it all.

Advent is a very special season leading up to Christmas. It’s a time to get ready for the celebration of the birth of Christ! While the holidays are full of preparation for family gatherings and gifts, we want to take time together to prepare for the most important thing of all—the Miracle this season brings. Through this study, together we can get our hearts ready and focus on the things that are truly important.

Spending time with family and friends is a big part of the season. So, loving those we spend time with and enjoying those relationships is essential. Let’s take a look at some ideas on how you can love those around you in a greater way.

Jesus said, “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another” (John 13:34 AMPC).

We were created by God to have relationships, and some of the greatest joys in our life can be found in our connection with others—with our spouses, our friends, our children and grandchildren, coworkers, and neighbors. Healthy relationships bring us new strength and true joy.

But some relationships can be more difficult, and you may be asking yourself, “How can I get along better with those people? How can I love others the way God loves me? How can I make a struggling relationship better?”

There are several different keys to building better relationships. But one thing in particular is that God always takes care of you when you put the needs of others ahead of your own.

Selfishness destroys a relationship—but selflessness makes it thrive. It’s not always easy to do. Many times, other people don’t act in a way that we want or expect them to.

But if you’ll look for ways to bless others, your relationships will improve. And the amazing result is, God will bless you in return.

Here are a few practical examples. . .

·Invite someone who may be feeling lonely to help you get ready for the holidays by decorating or shopping—spend time together.

·Volunteer to help serve a meal at a church or homeless shelter.

·Invite someone you don’t really know that well to dinner with your family and get to know them better.

·Listen—sometimes it’s best to just let the other person talk.

·Call a friend or family member you may not see often and tell them why you are thankful for them.

There are so many different ways you can be selfless. And there is great joy in looking for new, creative ways to be a blessing.

Would you like to make every day during this holiday season more enjoyable and memorable? Then begin taking just a few minutes every day to think about what you can do to help someone else.

FROM JOYCE MEYER:

“Once you've been reduced to love, you'll have no trouble establishing and maintaining good, healthy relationships with others. Your primary goal in life will be to put the wishes of others before your own.”

JUMP IN…

Read John 13:34-35.

It tells us to “love one another.” Think of three people you know who could really use a little love. Then come up with a few creative ways you can express love to them this Christmas season.