WEDNESDAY'S WORD - GRATIS - 12/19/18 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

"Justice, however, never really was administered gratis in any country. Lawyers and attorneys, at least, must always be paid by the parties; and, if they were not, they would perform their duties still worse than they actually perform it. "  - Adam Smith

 

GRATIS is a word that is not often used. Why? because it means without charge; free; as a grace or kindness; given or done for nothing. This is where we get the word gratuitous - given or done free of charge; given freely and spontaneously. Gratis is not often used because it's not often done. When someone gives to us gratuitously, because of our historical wounds and cynicism (an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest), we look for hidden, usually negative, reasons or motives. We think, "Surely they couldn't be doing this just because they're kind..." It is sad that kindness, ostensibly a fruit/manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Christians, is such a rarity that we are suspect when it shows up. It is possible, and should be probable for Believers to love freely and spontaneously. In fact, Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:35:

"But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (CSV)  

 

MERCIFUL - another word we don't often see in action. It means to bring someone relief from something unpleasant. Mercy and compassion are not just to be felt, but shown. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Mercy is given to those who don't deserve it, and to those who give it away. God's demonstration of mercy also means we didn't get what we deserved, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

   

No strings attached. That idiom is used to show that an offer or opportunity carries no special conditions, restrictions, rules, obligations or arrangements that must be made. Whatever is happening is occurring solely because of the benevolence of the giver...who expects nothing in return. There is no manipulation nor power-play involved, and no repayment expected. In commissioning His disciples, Jesus instructed, "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:7-8) When we give, share and do a kindness GRATIS, it announces that we are both under God's rule and bringing the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven near to a broken person or situation. Remember when God's mercy and grace met you GRATIS? Be a conduit of that same blessing to others. 

 

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICE 

Sunday, December 23rd at 10:00 AM

with the Church of the Living God

434 Forest Ave.

Cincinnati OH 45229