Listen

Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “Don’t go among the Gentiles or into a Samaritan city. Go instead to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment.”

Matthew 10:5-8

Think

“Buy one, get one free!” “Call now to get a second one absolutely free (with your paid order)!” We see and hear these ads all the time in store windows and commercials. They tempt us with the promise of something free – if we buy something first. It is rare that we find something that is truly free, with no strings attached.

Jesus empowers the disciples to “Cure the sick: raise the dead: cleanse those with skin disease; cast out demons.” He tells them they have received this gift without having to pay and encourages them to act similarly towards others, giving without expecting any payment.

The world insists that we should only give when we can get something in return. But Jesus invites us to see things differently. He encourages us, like the disciples, to give without expecting payment. Jesus gave us the ultimate gift by saving us through his death on the cross. And that gift really is absolutely free.

Ben Browne

Pray

God, thank you for the wonderful, free gift that Jesus gave to me. Inspire me to give freely to others as well. Amen.

Go

Go and see the world as God sees you.