19-Nov-23 (Matthew 25:14-30)

What are some of the things God has given you? [Wait for answers]
Sure, there are things like our families, life itself, some of us have warm, safe places to live. When we start to think about all of them, God really has given us quite a bit. And guess what? Jesus told a story about that.
Jesus story was about three servants of a man who was going to be away for a long time. He called in the servants and gave each of them some of his money to take care of while he was gone. One servant invested them and doubled the money. Another did the same thing with less money, but doubled what he had invested too. But the third servant was afraid and just hid the money for when his master returned.
As you might guess, the master had good things to say to the two servants who gave him back more, but the master was angry with the third one because he hadn't even tried to do anything.
So what does this have to do with all that God has given us? Just like the master gave his servants money, God has given us abilities and talents that we can use to tell people about God and share God's love. If we're selfish and keep all that for ourselves, God won't be please with us. God wants us to use what God has given us for others and, when we do, God trusts us with more and more that we can give.
Let's talk to God about that.

God, we thank you that you love us and have given us all kinds of good things. Help us to remember to use those good things in your service, in loving other people. Help us to serve you with all that we have.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.