Things I have learned...

Two things have became clear to me.

• Many seek God’s blessing, but I was surprised to learn that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
• I also learned that legalism is obeying God so that He will bless; under grace we obey God because He has blessed us. I had discovered that I am to bless others with the blessing God blessed me.

Thinking of blessing in a general way does not seem to work for me; thinking specifically does.

• Since God loved me, I am to love others (1 John 4:10-11).
• Since God forgave me, I am to forgive others (Eph. 4:32).
• Since God has comforted me, I am to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
• Since God has met my needs, I am to be generous (2 Cor. 9:8-11).

What a change in operation, to do based on what has been done, rather than to gain from God. Having learned these two things, my desire is to share them with others.

-Michael Haines, Chaplain