12 Ways Our Cheerful Heart Can Respond to God for Amazing Blessings ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

When I consider all the Amazing Blessings God has given me, and His gracious patience toward me my heart overflows. It overflows with love, devotion, humility, and awe when I consider all this. I tremble with so much emotion; I can hardly believe the wonder of it all. Then, as Romans 12 continues, we are given 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God for His Amazing Blessings. What mercies and blessings am I recalling?

He provided for us, as unworthy as we are, salvation free and clear. How? By sending His Beloved Son, God Himself, Creator of the World to live a perfect, righteous life in human flesh. A life I could never have lived in my own volition. Then to die and pay the price for all my sin. Sin born out of a heart so trapped in itself. I dare to believe I know what is best for me. How foolish is that? Or I think I know what is best for those around me.

My heart! One that would rebel against His plan, if not held to account by the Holy Spirit. I must then die to self-daily that He might shine His Glory through me. Furthermore, He gifted me to do His work. Although I sometimes wish to shove that gift aside. I would have foolishly chosen another. But He knows what is best.

Because of All He Has Provided Our Hearts are Cheerful In Him by Love

Because of all the mercies and blessings given us by God. We are urged to give our bodies as a living sacrifice, that is holy. It is the reasonable service we must desire. How can I do anything else? So, let’s look at what a holy living sacrifice might look at. Let us consider the 12 ways our dutiful, cheerful heart can respond to God for Amazing Blessings. Thus, to do so in a manner of holiness that brings glory to His name in all that we do.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit John 15:8 KJV

Number one of 12 Ways our cheerful heart can respond to God

Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good Romans 12:9 NASB

When we pretend to “love all things” we are hypocrites. We can love the person but not try to say that untruths are truths. I can love the person who is transgender. But true love will not try to pretend that their lifestyle is acceptable to God. True love cares more about their eternity than their current “feelings”. His Word is clear. This is sin and will lead to distress, unhappiness, and entrapment in spiritual death. Love must not lie.

I can love my friend, but still boldly tell them their adulterous relationship is going to ruin their life. As well as the life of others. Love that is free of hypocrisy must be honest, genuine concern for their well-being spiritually as well as physically.

Number 2 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another Romans 12:10 KJV

How often do we truly place another’s feelings, wants, needs, or desires above our own? Or when we do, how often do we feel resentment later when they do not respond in like kindness? True, genuine self-less love can only come from the Holy Spirit in us. It is like presented in I Corinthians 13 (so often quoted at weddings.) But how many people truly know what those words mean? And how often are they quickly forgotten after one says, “I do.”

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I Corinthians 13: 4-7 NASB

How many marriages would survive without divorce, if truly we practiced this kind of love. Again, the Holy Spirit is needed for this to be the case. Guiding us each step of the way.

Number 3 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord Romans 12:11 KJV

No matter the job or task, we are to work as though God is the one we are working for. As such, the most difficult boss can be treated with respect. Never are we to spend our time wastefully at work as that would be stealing. Nor are we to take our job frivolously.

Slaves, obey those who are your human masters in everything, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Colossians 3:22-25 NASB

If this was God’s command for slaves, how much more for we who are employees. We are receiving His blessing of provision via a salary. How much more should we work as though to Him, our provider.

Number 4 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12 KJV

We rejoice in hope because we know Him. No matter what presents in our path, we know a loving heavenly Father has a perfect plan concerning us. Our living as His Chosen, Blessed Child demonstrates to those around us of Him. Our Peace and Joy in Him shows others how marvelous and glorious we know Him to be.

Number 5 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Romans 12:13

Because I know who my provider is, I can give freely to others as He leads me. That also is key, as He leads me. But that means I must be in prayer continually, so I am certain He is the one leading me. As such, I help when that is what is truly needed. And wait when He needs me to wait. Never do I want to be stumbling block for another. After all, God may have a different plan to grow their faith in Him alone. The Holy Spirit will guide me in His plan and His will. That way, I do not have anything to worry about. Never forget what Jesus said,

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’

“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:34-46 NASB

Number 6 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Romans 12:14

Now He is getting personal or touching a weak spot! How do I do that? Well, there are at Least five things I think we must do to forgive those who persist in hurting us.

Recall how many times we have offended God and been forgiven

Consider their spiritual needs. If they do not know Christ, their eternity may be transformed with God using your forgiveness as the catalyst. He will find someone else to share that glory with, if you fail to be the catalyst. Then it is your loss of perhaps a crown. As for me I do want to have crowns to lay at His feet. I know it is His work, not mine.

Our inability to forgive is a part of our own pride.

Furthermore, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for my name’s sake.” Matthew 5:10. Our inheritance is in heaven with Him. Therefore, it is better to be persecuted for our kindness than to respond and become like them.

This is not a suggestion from God, it is a command. My daughter while visiting me pointed out that driving is so very complex in Mexico. In part, because every rule is taken as a suggestion, not a command. For us to truly glorify God, we must remember His commands lead to our happiness and joy. Commands are not just suggestions we can choose to ignore when we want.

Number 7 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15

We are to be empathetic, kindhearted people. Sometimes rejoicing with them that do rejoice is even harder than weeping with those who weep. If our neighbor rejoices because he got a big raise. We may have a hard time truly rejoicing with them. Particularly, if financially we are in hard times. That also brings us back to the question. Do we truly trust God’s goodness to us? Or is our faith shaky instead.

Number 8 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Romans 12:16

How quickly we condemn another once was entrapped in a sin, we proclaim as “never”. We proclaim them unacceptable. Yet, God saved them and now they are His. Does that make them any less saved? Are we justified in looking down upon them as less than we are?

How quickly we look at the successful Doctor as more blessed. And the poor person working hard to feed his family as less loved by God.

Do not stand in pride yourself! Sometimes, the humblest of people with little education can be among the wisest. Such a man was my father. Many considered him a “poor dirt farmer who could barely read or write.” But he was far wiser than most of whom I saw around town as I grew up. His was a heart that demonstrated God’s grace and love. Even though he could not read the Bible with clarity he talked with God as he worked.

Number 9 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 KJV

Do not yourself become evil because of what someone has done to you. Honestly proclaim the name of Christ.

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit I Peter 3:14-18 NASB

Number 10 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Hebrews 12:18 KJV

Sometimes it is not possible because we live in this broken world. But we are to desire to make this our goal. Yet, sometimes it is not possible without compromising the truth of the word. If to be at peace requires I deny Christ, then true peace may not be possible. Paul knew this as violence of others against him became a part of his life. Yet, he strove to peaceably respond. We know that Jesus was the perfect example of this. He was crucified and had violent acts against Him, despite He being an example of tolerance. Yet, never did He compromise truth to bring peace. He overthrew the money changers tables.

Number 11 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19 KJV

We are not to avenge wrongs against us. Rather, we are to hand that over to God. Then, we are to remain faithful to Christ in all we do.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Romans 12:20

We should never leave someone to go hungry because they once did something to hurt us. Some read this and say, “Yes, I want the heaps of fire filled coals to hit them. So I will do this joyfully with a vengeful heart.” That is certainly not what is meant here. The heaps referred to here are to remind us that God is just. If justice is to be issued it will come from Him. We are to do the right thing, no matter what. Even if He saves them and transforms their eternity.

Number 12 of 12 ways our cheerful heart can respond to God.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

We are to be the light and salt to the world. How? By surrendering ourselves completely to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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