Bread

Bread

4:30

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets,”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

I have a good friend who makes delicious sour dough bread. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also gluten-free.

My family actually loves her bread more than any other gluten filled bread. When a loaf appears, it doesn’t last long.

The other day I was thinking about this bread and grew hungry. Then a few days later she texted and said, “I made an extra-large loaf, may I share it with you?

“Yes!”

On my way home after receiving her text, all I could think about was this bread and butter and how wonderful it’s going to taste. I also thought —if this was the type of bread the Apostle Paul ate while in jail, that sentence wouldn’t have been so bad.

I ate three pieces for lunch. Nothing else, just bread and butter. It was the most delicious meal of my day. After lunch I was cleaning up and thought I need to put this bread out of the way, because if the family sees it, I won’t have any for tomorrow! I’m the one gluten free, after all.

The next morning I’m praying, “God help me to surrender my day to You.”

“Even your bread?”

Yikes.

Pause.

Finally, “Yes, even my bread.”

The minute I said it, there was joy. Obviously, not generated from my selfish heart, it was God’s joy.

This joy surpassed the longing for my precious bread.

Then I read Matthew 7:12–do unto others. My friend shared with me, and I held it away from others. This is not what this verse means—it means you liked it when she shared, so make sure you do the same.

Of course, God wasn’t done teaching me, and Matthew 6 popped into mind:

“Give us today our daily bread,”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬, NIV‬‬.

OUR daily bread, not MY daily bread.

The loaf was designed to be shared.

Only God can change a heart’s attitude. I plated it up with a desire to please my family, not to hoard the goods for myself.

And I had joy doing so.

How are you doing today? Are you able to share with others your precious commodities?

(Feel free to comment below. I'd love to hear from you).

Father,

Thank You for this lesson of greed and gluttony. I am so sorry I held back that which I could share, forgive me.

Thank You that the joy of the LORD is my strength, it is a sign of receiving my change of heart and surrender.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27).

Father, Your peace never gets old or grows stale. It refreshes more fully than any loaf of bread could ever do.

Bless my friend who gives from her heart, help me to do the same. Help me to surrender so that You will be honored.

Amen.