The manifold grace of God

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)

God's work is careful and creative. If we look around us, we will see that He works in many varied ways for the well-being of all. The bright sky with the stars, the flowers, the scents, the fruits, and the flavors... The light and warmth of the sun day after day. We all receive daily gifts, freely given, from the great love of God.

In addition to life, God has given us many good things. The best gift God gave us was His Son, Jesus, and in Him, we have all the other blessings. In Jesus, we can serve with our gifts and share the grace of the Lord in various ways. We can smile, be kind, give, forgive, help, care, protect, love... How can you serve someone today?

Be an agent of God's manifold grace.

• Reflect a little on your life and the blessings you've received. Give thanks to God for that!

• Pray and offer to others what you have that can help them be happier.

• Giving something freely is an essential part of the Christian lifestyle. Open your heart, your smile, your closets. Donate food or clothes you no longer need, give something precious to someone.

• Perhaps you think you have nothing material (or financial) to give, but God has given you other resources. Use your personal gifts to help someone in need.

• Stay alert! There are many people near you who can receive something from God through your life.

• Pray for someone. Take a genuine interest in another person's happiness.

To pray:

Lord my God, thank you for giving me more than enough to live. Help me be attentive to the people who pass through my life and wake me up to be a channel of your grace to them as well. May I rejoice in giving and in being an instrument of your favor. Teach me to follow the steps of Jesus who acted with grace and mercy, giving everything out of love and obedience to You. Amen.