Morning Devotional 041426 Give Your Best

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 14, 2026

Galatians 6:1-6

1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted too. 2 Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are important when they aren’t, they’re fooling themselves. 4 Each person should test their own work and be happy with doing a good job and not compare themselves with others. 5 Each person will have to carry their own load. 6 Those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher.

Good Morning! Jesus restores us with a spirit of gentleness!

Paul’s words seem contrary to the way of the earthly world. From a young age, we learn to point out or tattle on someone who does wrong. Rarely do we carry each other’s burdens, and we often think we are more important than we are. 

Earthly values teach us the importance of rising to the top. Some rise by stepping on others and pushing them down. Others buy their way to the top to avoid the challenges that might slow them down. You might be sitting and reading this saying, “Oh, that’s not me!” Good for you.

We laugh when we see memes, cartoons, and bumper stickers that say, “The one with the most . . . (you fill in the blank) wins,” but we are often guilty of this sentiment. Whatever our passion, fabric, shoes, power tools, or ____, we strive to get the most or the best. 

A few weeks ago I remember a story of a little girl who was asked by her teacher to share a used doll with children who might not have one. When she shared with her mother the request, the mom told her this was a good mission. She went on to say that maybe she should give one of her favorites, so the recipient would receive a “special” doll. 

The little girl decided to follow her mom’s advice and give away her favorite doll. When she saw the love in the eyes of the new “mother,” she knew her doll would be loved and cared for. 

It’s easy to give away our discards, or outgrown things, but we are called to share the best we have with others. When we focus on giving fully, we will see many ways to lift and support each other. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Out of our blessings comes the ability to share with others as abundantly as you share with us. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Aspire to treat others with gentleness!  

Give your best and be blessed!  Pastor Liz