September 15

“Anyone who has ever lived his own life knows that he does not really mean himself well.  We destroy ourselves by grabbing, because we cannot give.  The love of God is a totally giving love.”  Eugenia Price, S.P.S., 9/10

It’s the same thing that happens when we spoil a child.  We claim we are loving them by giving them everything they want, or not pointing out their faults to them.  Some parents think they are building up their children and encouraging them by never offering criticism.  But anyone who has ever been around a spoiled child knows just how awful the effect of such parenting has on everyone else!  This is why we must “take up our cross” and “deny ourselves”.  If we give in to our every whim and desire we are spoiling ourselves.  We are making ourselves unfit for the kingdom of God.  We will throw tantrums every time things don’t go our way.  As parents it is our job to teach our children self-discipline.  We do this by setting limits and giving guidance.  If this isn’t done with love, however, rebellious children are driven further into rebellion.  God has provided a way for us to have self-discipline and has done it with the utmost love--Jesus Christ.  Because of His sacrifice we now have the Holy Spirit to guide us and enable us to live a self-sacrificing life--a life that gives and receives and never takes.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.  For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”  Luke 6:37, 38