Inspirational Article From Joanne Lowe Index of Writings by Joanne Lowe on Gospel Web

NO TAX ON LOVE

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2: 1 - 14 King James Version

What a power packed gift of love from the heart of our loving Heavenly Father and there is no tax on it! There can be no tax on love because love can’t be sold or bought; it is a free gift. So often people try to buy someone’s love by buying them things and doing nice things for them. It doesn’t work and it will never work. All the money in the world and all the nice things that we might do for someone will never substitute for loving them unconditionally. Isn’t that what God did for us when He sent His only beloved Son to die for us? He owns everything in the world but He gave us a precious gift from His heart which can never be bought or earned. The love of God, the love of Jesus and the love of the Holy Spirit comes from their hearts of unconditional love. How can we do less than forgive others when they hurt us and love them unconditionally as He loves us? It is impossible for us to love them on our own. It takes the love of Jesus working through our hearts to be able to forgive them and love them as He has commanded us to love them.

I have seen this happen in so many families; parents try to buy their children’s love by buying them expensive clothes, shoes, cars, and sometimes by giving them allowances that some people don’t earn in a week. It is no wonder at all that our teenagers grow up expecting everything to be given to them. Because some children have been conditioned to believe that when their parents buy them things it means that they are loved, they start doubting their parent’s love for them when the parents refuse to give them money or buy something for them.

O that we would get back to the basics of unconditional love for one another! We can invest in giving love to others with the assurance that there is no tax on love and that we won’t be taxed by the government when we prepare our income taxes. Investing in a person by giving them your love is the wisest investment you will ever make and it is also a much needed and extremely urgent investment.

Have you invested your time, talents and love in someone’s life? There is someone who desperately needs you to invest your time, talents and love in his or her life because this person is hurting. Your investment may mean the difference between this person committing suicide or not committing suicide. If Jesus were to ask you today “Have you invested your time, love, and talents into someone’s life?” what would you say? Would you be able to look Him in the eyes or would you have to bow your head in shame because you had been wrapped up in your own life and only concerned about yourself?

Joanne Lowe

June 22, 2007

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