“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’
And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.
Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’
But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? So the last will be first, and the first last.’” MATTHEW 20:1-16 ESV
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. GALATIANS 6:10 ESV
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ROMANS 12:15 ESV
If one member is honored, all rejoice together 1 CORINTHIANS 12:26 ESV
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 PETER 4:10 NLT
But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” ACTS 3:6 NLT
And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. MATTHEW 5:40-42 ESV
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. PROVERBS 12:18 NIV
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. PROVERBS 16:24 NIV
If you’re in a group, we want to hear from you! Take our quick group health survey at move.sc/groupsurvey
1. What gift are you most excited to give this Christmas? What about it about it makes it so special?
2. When you see people in your life being honored, to what extent do you either celebrate with them or struggle that it’s not you being celebrated?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 12:26. What does your reaction to others being honored tell you about the state of your heart?
4. Read 1 Peter 4:10. What unique gifts has God given you? (If you are having trouble answering, ask your friends in group and let them answer with you)
5. In what ways are you currently using those gifts to bless others? In what way could you use them to further be a blessing to those around you?
6. Read Galatians 6:10. What opportunities do you have and steps can you take to do good to people in your life (especially those in your group)?
Spend some time quieting yourself before God. As you become still, ask God to reveal both himself and the condition of your heart to you. Are there are any areas of your heart where you’ve found yourself grumbling before God? Jealous when God blesses others? Confess that to God, and ask him into those areas of your heart. Thank God for his generosity to others, and ask him to show you how to increase your generosity toward them as well. Ponder areas that he has specifically gifted or blessed you. Then ask him to show you opportunities to use those gifts to bless others during this Christmas season. Thank him for his generosity towards you, with others, and for your time together.