Completely Single: Learning to Become the Right OneSample

,HANDS: Learning to have an open hand to those around you.

Many times when we look at the hand we typically think about what a person does or what they are gifted to do – their work. However, today in this devotional I believe that we should look at our hands in more of a spiritual context. I remember growing up with my twin brother and older brother and catching them with my toy or other personal items that they clearly knew my parents bought for me. The first word that would sprint out of my mouth would be, “that’s mine”, with my hand out. Now, what preceded next I do not condone, however, it usually involved several punches and even kicks until I retrieved my item back half broken. If you have nieces and nephews or even kids yourself, how accurate is this?

Selfishness was a part of the fall. We were all born with that sin nature. Unfortunately, there are still individuals in this world who have never let this nature go even after confessing Christ. This is not just about those in relationships either because selfishness can still materialize within our families and friendships. However, if God is calling you into a season where you enter into a romantic relationship, you have to let that selfishness go my friend.

Selfishness has no place in any relationship. And if you want to be the light and salt of the Earth as Jesus commanded us to be, you have to be willing to understand there is enough in the Kingdom of God to share. Today is the day to have an open hand in your relationships. Here is my disclaimer, because we do have wolves out there, no person should ever be pressured to go against the Word of God, commit sin, or a crime. For example, there are manipulators and users out there who will call you selfish because you have created boundaries for yourself that prevent them from being able to take advantage of you. Stay away from such people. Despite these individuals, there are still people around you who can benefit from your generosity.

So, what can you be more generous with today? Acts 20:35 says, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Giving is not all about money. As a single, I learned that this was a special time and season that God allowed me to see that I had many gifts to give to the world around me. We can give more of our time or resources away to help those in need. We can give a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on to someone who is having a hard time. We can give our gifts, talents, and skills to a non-profit or organization who needs human capital. We can even be generous with forgiveness, love, and mercy because people are hurting.

Being selfless like Christ will definitely benefit you in all your relationships. I hope this has encouraged you today to look outside of your current situation and open your hand to the people in need around you. The world needs more individuals like you to not wait for the light at the end of the tunnel but to be a light in the tunnel.

Say this prayer with me. Father, thank You for the gift of my hands. I apologize and repent for not being as generous as You have called me to be. Help me see people You placed me around as gifts and help me share my time, ear, shoulder, and even resources with them. Help me be a neighbor. I love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.