Justin R. Lester tells parents who forgot a gift to show Christ-like love instead. He contrasts people-pleasing with the biblical command to love your neighbor as yourself, and argues that serving, encouraging, forgiving, and praying matter more than presents.
Chapters
You forgot the gift. Your kid really wants this Christmas. Quit trying to make everybody happy. I used to think making people like me was my job. And I used to feel a sense of balance when people in my circle seemed to like me. And then I took that out. My Job description Here's what scripture really says to do this, love your neighbor as yourself. That's it. Those verses are a command for believers to act, not a command to get a reaction. There's no description of what the neighbor does, but you do it. When we love people by serving, encouraging, forgiving and praying for them, we show them the love that only comes from God. The Bible says my job. Your job, parents, is to love people the way that God loves you and he gets glory. And even when your actions will make others feel happy, that feeling is temporary. Because what they need is the joy that only Jesus can give them. So this Christmas, no matter what presents your family and friends, open, pause and remember to do your job first. Love them. Show them the love of Jesus and let Jesus do the hard work of their joy. May this Christmas be a moment where people see Jesus coming from you. You want more content like this? Like and subscribe I'm here to build the kingdom. God bless you.