Willingness and Joy in our Hearts

We can do many things for the Lord, yet it is not the quantity that God is looking for. Is it because we love the Lord and love others? I have found that it is in the few or in the small  things that the Lord wants to see our willingness - be faithful in the few things (Matthew 25:21) - whether our hearts are willing. I can say that I love God and want to serve Him....yet in the so called little things like picking up someone when our help is needed at our 'inconvenience', or being 'disturbed' in the wee hours by a call of a friend in need....do we do it with an attitude of willingness and joy in our hearts to serve our brothers and sisters?

That is what Jesus means when He said He came to serve (Matthew 20:28). Are we truly servants as Jesus wants us to be - to serve and not to be served? When someone asks me a favor, do I answer "Sure, what can I do for you?" or do I think of all the reasons why it is difficult to help this person, hesitating "Er...let me see...." It is important to let others know that they can come to us anytime when they need help. Yes, willingly, not out of necessity (Philemon 1:14). It is better that we do not do it, if we do out of necessity and not with a willing heart. I have learnt that we must let the Lord teach our hearts how to love (1 Thessalonians 4:9) and purpose in our hearts to give (2 Corinthians 9:7).  We cannot say we love God and love one another if our actions speak otherwise (1 John 3:16-23). Our words and actions indicate the conditions of our hearts. May our hearts be full of love - shown through our actions.

Yes, when we are helpful, there will  be times when people will take advantage of our kindness.  But will it stop us from helping others? It is the same with giving others financial help. It should never stop us from helping others even when we know that there are people who may cheat us....that is from my own experience. Many will be blessed if we continue to obey God's Word. The joy of being a blessing far exceeds some of the negative experiences of giving!!.........and God certainly loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)!.

Willingness of our hearts leads to Joy. Joy, God's joy, brings great strength (Nehemiah 8:10) in our walk with the Lord.

It is just that simple....because God's Word is simple.