Ways to give…

I came across a funny story about a boy whose mother was trying to teach him about generosity. One Sunday, when the offering plate was passed by the boy, his mother said to him, “Quick! Put your money in there! It’s tainted!” The boy quickly put the money into the basket, and with a puzzled look, asked, “Mom, is the money that dirty? Why is it tainted?” His mother answered, “It’s not dirty, but i’taint mine and i’taint yours—it’s God’s, so we give it away.”

What a reminder that nothing we have belongs to us! This silly story was about money, but there are so many other ways we are called to give!

Give the gift of caring for someone.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Give the gift of compassion.

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Give the gift of service.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

Give the gift of prayer.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV)

Give the gift of helping those who have less.

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (James 1:27, NLT)  

Being a giver is practical…thankfully, it isn’t complicated. Jesus said it best: “‘For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home.’” (Matthew 25:35, NLT)

There are many ways to give. I’d like to challenge you to pray and ask God where He would like you to trust Him and lay your treasures before Him. Can we pray together today? “Lord, thank You for creating me and building in me a desire to give! I ask today that You would show me where I can serve You and those around me. I want to be a blessing, an instrument You use in the lives of others! In Jesus’ name, amen.”

You’re a miracle!