I, the LORD, explore the mind and test the heart, Giving to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their deeds. Jeremiah 17:10 NABRE
Jeremiah in this chapter provides short oracles of wisdom writing, expressing themes that were constant in Jeremiah’s preaching. The quoted verse speaks about God who is unable to be deceived, He sees right into a person’s heart and will judge each on their merits. God is able to determine a person’s attitude and purpose testing their mind and heart. We may do a good thing with a bad attitude, but for God this is not necessarily a good thing. God gives according to the openness of the heart and mind and rewards based on accomplishment. How we help matters. I have moments when I am doing a good thing but doing it grudgingly and when I am done, sure a good service is rendered, but I feel distraught and run down, wishing I used my time better. If I do the same task for Christ, trusting that what I am doing is for and through Him, then when I am walking away from the service I am uplifted, as if I just lived a retreat or refreshing spa day. I also recognized with my “Christ attitude” everything works smoothly. Jesus really handles most things in such a way that I have no obstacles or undue effort, what I am doing seems effortless.
We are being challenged all the time by Jesus to help, to serve one another, putting the other first. How we respond is important. Our heart and mind must do it for Jesus. I have a holy friend who would ask me to help his friend with some money. Although I know this is a con, I love my friend so much that I gave in the name of Jesus. How the money is used, or the intent asking are not important. I gave to Jesus, thanks to the influence of my friend, who puts all in Jesus hands.
How do you give? Is there something you need that I may help you with?
We are being challenged all the time by Jesus to help, to serve one another, putting the other first. How we respond is important. Our heart and mind must do it for Jesus. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #heart #mind #Jeremiah#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion#biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse#verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews#loveeachother #godisgreat #bocaraton#youversion #everythingalways