Why Pay It Forward?

Not too long ago LauraLee posted a story about Paying it forward, and this last week Tracy blogged about kindness. We've heard it, experienced it, and even practiced it, but what's the greatest motivation for participating and continuing this practice?

Because this is exactly what Jesus did for us.
~He was/IS God's Son. (Matthew 16:16)
~He lived a perfect, sinless life. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
~Death had no authority over Him so He GAVE His life.
~He paid the penalty for our/MY sins. (Romans 6:23)

Jesus did the ultimate 'Paying it forward' when He provided forgiveness for our sins. Now it's our turn to continue the chain.
~We can forgive people when they hurt us, whether it was knowingly or unintentionally done. (Ephesians 4:32)
~We can treat others with the kindness Jesus treats us with.
~We can love others unconditionally, just as Jesus loves us. (Romans 5:8)
~We can share with others what Jesus did for us on the cross. (John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

By passing on what Jesus has done for us:
~We share His gift with others
~Our joy is made fuller
~We are free to enjoy all that He's done for us and given us
~We obey what God tells us to do (John 15:12)

That childish phrase 'Why should I?' is answered with 'Because Jesus did.' What more do I need to know? Jesus paid it forward. For me. For all eternity. Because He loves me.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

5 comments:

  1. Yes, Hallejuah! What a Savior, indeed!

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  2. Peej, this is a tough day for me to read this message! So, I guess it means God wants me to remember to be kind, even when the other person is NOT being kind. *Sigh* So hard to implement when I'm in the "moment". Thanks for obeying the Lord with this posting!

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  3. Ooooh, good stuff. That last paragraph really hit the nail on the head (forgive my cliche - but this is NOT my book LOL). Wonderful.

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  4. Most of the time it comes down to "Why Should I," doesn't it. "Nobody's looking." "They won't appreciate it anyway." "Does it really even matter?" The answer is that we do it for Him. He sees. He appreciates it. It matters to Him because we are His hands and feet. Incredible message and teaching today, Patty.

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  5. Boy is this a good reminder for me right now. There are a couple people at work who are making it really hard for me to want to be kind right now, but I am doing my best to keep my composure and take on a Christ-like attitude.

    I am a servant of Jesus Christ, and so "paying it forward" is a task that he has assigned to me. Whether anyone else appreciates my contributions or not, it shouldn't matter. I don't do it for my own recognition. I do it to bring honor and glory to His name. Like you said, he did the ultimate paying it forward. I can never repay that sacrifice in full, but I can do my best to try and show how much I appreciate what Jesus did by giving kindness back to others.

    Thanks for this reminder today. My grumpy self needed this. :)

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