What Value Do You Have?

“In every way I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Acts 20:35
 
Yesterday we talked about considering the value that those closest to you add to your life. Today, I want to talk about the value you add to theirs, not only to those closest to you, but to everyone you may come across—whether it is through friendship, a romantic relationship, a business agreement, or even just a stranger passing by. Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” While it is important to surround yourself with others who will add value to your life, it is perhaps even more important to add value to the lives of others.
 
How can you add value to others you might ask? It starts by giving without expecting anything in return. You might have already gone through a situation or circumstance in which someone else is currently stuck, and your wisdom could give them light and direction on how to move forward. It might be the positive energy you bring to everyday tasks that inspires someone else to change their perspective and brightens their entire outlook on life. It could be how you treat people. The kindness and respect you give to everyone, regardless of how they treat you, could totally change the way someone interacts, not only with you, but with others moving forward.
 
Everyone has heard the phrase “actions have consequences.” Unfortunately, this is far too often looked at in a negative light, that when you do bad things, there are bad consequences. While that is true, the reverse is also true. When you bring positive value to others, it will impact their life in a positive way. And you never know how God will use the value you give to others to reach even more people. You were given a special set of gifts by God. Make sure you are using those gifts to give value to others, and see the good consequences that come from it.