Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Giving (2 Corinthians 8)

 2 Corinthians 8:7 Now as you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also.

Each year, between Halloween and Thanksgiving, my kids and I go through all their things (toys, books, clothes, etc.) and find things that are still in good condition, and make a large pile of what we can give to others. I have always said that if they are hoping for new gifts for Christmas, then we need to show our love for others first. We dive a little deeper into why each year. When they were younger, it was “Santa can’t leave presents if there isn’t any room for them,” then it was “Santa won’t leave presents if you don’t have a giving heart.” This last year was more of opening their eyes to see that some families need more help, that some children really may not have gifts because their parents may not be able to get them. I am trying to open their hearts to giving so they can realize that there are so many other people in the world in need. That we are called by Christ to give. 

Giving is a big thought process. How am I called to give? In what capacity should I give? Some people give money to their church, or to a Christian radio station. Some give their time. Some give both. All of the gifts, when given with an open heart, are amazing. Think of the story of the widow Jesus told his disciples in Mark 12:41-44. “Amen I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors in the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” God isn’t calling us to give at the end of the month, seeing what we might have left over. Or at the end of the day, seeing just how tired we are, if we can give one more hour. He is calling us to give from the bottom of hearts, at the very beginning, putting him first above all things. And when we do this, we are showing his grace. 

Is there a ministry around you that could use help? Whether monetary or a physical body? It’s going to be getting cold soon, maybe a soup kitchen needs help serving. Or donations to be able to serve. Prayerfully consider how you can do more for your local ministries, whether through your church or your town. It is great to help missions abroad, by all means, but the people around you are struggling, also. There are people you may see every day who are seeking help in the after hours from non-profit groups. Yes, our country is still high above financially than some third world countries, but when I see children in our country going to school with holes in their shoes that belonged to two of their brothers, I know there are people here that are forgotten, too. 

The most gracious act was God giving us his only son. Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us. He is our eternal gift. God gives us grace so that we can give it to others. Let us be more generous as this Christmas season approaches, and remember to serve others before ourselves. I heard this song on the radio the other day, and it really caught my attention. We need to start here and now, around us, if we want to see a change in the world. 






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