Four gives

One give plus one give = two gives. Two gives plus two gives = ? Four gives!

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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells us that our Heavenly Father is a God who forgives us, so, we too must learn to do the same to our brothers and sisters. How often? Seven times? “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

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What are the four gives we need to learn and continue to learn as we go through life?

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GIVE GOD HIS DUE. We are His creatures, who must continue to give God the love and honor that is due unto Him: “Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength.” Let us continue to give thanks for His generosity and provisions. Let us give Him our obedience and loyalty. Remember our purpose in life is to know God, to Love God, and to serve God and His people.

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GIVE OTHERS THEIR RIGHTS. Let us not deprive other people of what is due unto them. Let us not steal, violate, or manipulate their rights. Let us learn to respect one another and not abuse nor take advantage of others, especially the “little ones” in our midst. “Whatever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters, you do unto me.”

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GIVE THE WORLD A CHANCE. Let us take care of our wonderful world and all creation. We are caretakers of our world. May there still be a wonderful world for the next generations after us. Let us give the world a chance to survive. And let’s give peace a chance. We must stop hurting and killing each other. When, oh, when will we ever learn to give up our unbridled selfishness and pride?

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GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. It is precisely when we give God His due, give others their rights, and give the world a chance, that we give ourselves a break from our selfishness and pride, which are the roots of our stress, miseries, sadness, and loneliness. Let us give ourselves a break from our bad habits, vices, negative attitudes, and narrow, shallow mindsets. Sin imprisons us. Love and forgiveness set us free.

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The bottom-line question for all of us is: Did I fill the world with love?; Did I give to God the love, obedience, and honor due unto Him?; Did I give to people their God-given rights?; Did I give the world my respect and care?; Did I give myself a break from sin and the negativities that imprison me?

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One more give we have to learn and continue to learn is to give thanks. Thanksgiving! Gratitude is the best attitude. A grateful heart is a happy heart. A grateful person is a delight to our loving Father. Yes, let us be grateful always, and in all ways. Amen!

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Today, look into your heart and whisper to the Lord: Have mercy on me, Oh God, forgive me all my sins, and help me to sin no more. I love you Lord, and I resolve to love, obey, and serve you and your people.

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Today, look into your heart and whisper to the Lord: I ask for forgiveness from all people whom I have hurt, used, or abused in any way. I resolve to stop hurting people from now on.

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Today, look into your heart and whisper to the Lord: I forgive all people who have hurt me. Bahala na po kayo sa kanila, Lord. As you have forgiven me so many times. I, too, forgive now those who have offended me.

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Today, look into your heart and whisper to the Lord: I forgive myself. I trust in your love and mercy on me. Help me to focus on your love and mercy, not on my sinfulness and failures. Help me to be patient with myself, as you are patient with me. Amen.

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A moment with the Lord.Lord, thank you for forgiving us so often. Help us to do likewise. Amen.

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