What does "freely you have received; freely give" mean for our daily lives? The Heart of the Command “ ‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.’ ” (Matthew 10:8) Jesus’ words to the Twelve ring just as true for us today. Everything we possess—salvation, spiritual gifts, daily provisions—arrives without cost to us yet at great cost to Him. Knowing this transforms how we live and how we treat others. What We Have Received Freely • Salvation and forgiveness: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8–9). • The Holy Spirit’s presence and power (Acts 2:38). • Spiritual gifts for ministry (1 Peter 4:10). • Daily mercies and provision: “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). • The example of Christ’s self-giving love (John 13:34). Because each of these came without price tags attached, none can be hoarded or marketed. They are stewarded. How We Are Called to Give Freely • Generosity with resources – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). – Provide practical help to those in need (1 John 3:17). • Generosity with time and service – Visit the sick, encourage the weary, disciple younger believers. – Use talents in the local church without demanding recognition or payment. • Generosity with forgiveness – “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:13). • Generosity with the gospel – Share Christ’s message openly, not as a commodity but as living water offered freely (Revelation 22:17). Practical Daily Applications 1. Start each morning thanking God for specific “freely received” blessings; then ask whom you can bless in return. 2. Budget a line item for spontaneous giving—small acts of financial kindness or meals for strangers. 3. Set aside one evening a week for sacrificial service: tutoring, hospital visits, church maintenance, mentoring. 4. Keep short accounts: forgive offenses quickly, refusing to charge relational “interest.” 5. Hold possessions loosely; if you cannot lend it, you do not truly own it. 6. Speak words of life—encouragement costs nothing yet yields eternal dividends (Proverbs 18:21). A Lifestyle of Grace and Generosity “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). Living the command of Matthew 10:8 creates a cycle: God pours in, we pour out, and He supplies again (2 Corinthians 9:8–11). Freely receiving positions us to freely give, displaying the character of our generous Savior to a watching world. |
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