This morning I'll be helping deliver not one but TWO truckloads of food to the local food pantries because of the generosity of the church AND the community. In addition to these trucks, there is also a car trunk filled to capacity. God has moved through us to accomplish a simple goal, to stock food pantry shelves in order to help feed people in need.
Now I wouldn't call it a miracle (maybe if I had gotten the truck inside!) but I would call it the carrying out of the Gospel. Paul worked at something similar when he gathered an offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Throughout his mission he talked about generosity and the need of the people where the church began. As people gave throughout the Roman Empire, Paul was touched and to the church at Corinth he wrote this:
"Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ." (2 Corinthians 9:12-13, The Message)
Simply put, when we are generous, recognizing the needs of people around us, helping provide out of what we have to those who don't is an act of praise to God. When we give to others we are giving thanks to God. But only when we give out of a generous heart and not out of compulsion. I know that I've walked a fine line between teaching about generous giving and the desire to fill a truck with food, but it has all been to fulfill two needs: many people's need for food and our need to learn generosity.
I've not always given with a generous heart. Sometimes I've given because it was the right thing to do, because I felt pressured to share, because someone asked and I didn't want to be the only one not giving. I've walked away from these times frustrated and sometimes angry. I wasn't wrong in giving at these times, but I also didn't receive the blessing through the gift. But it has been through my giving that I've learned this blessing.
There is a "feel good" part of giving. Once I gave a man who held a sign saying "will work for food" a $20. He genuinely thanked me and I drove away feeling good. Now I realize that it may have been a scam, but that's not my problem. God didn't demand that we check all the references of people we give to, rather we've been told to be generous with those who ask, with those in need.
I've probably given more in the past year than ever before in my life. Now I do not say this to be boasting, but simply to say that it has meant so very much to me to give. I've found a joy in giving. My wife and I talk more about how to give now than ever before in our marriage. Instead of being a point of contention, we find it a challenge. We look for ways to give, we share it with each other and we decide together and we give. Then we receive the blessing of God.
So, maybe you've felt that blessing this weekend. If not maybe you've got some more learning to do about God's generosity through us and in us. My challenge to you is simple: give until giving is a habit and a joy. There is where you will find the blessing of God as you meet the needs of God's people.
Generosity is a song of praise to God.
So, Sing!
Peace ><>
pc
4 comments:
So many people get caught up in the notion that if they can't give a significant amount than they won't give at all. They don't realize that any gift of giving however small can make such an impact.
Imagine a tiny snowflake, insignificant all on its own but when combined all the other falling snowflakes...it can bury the ground in a huge mound of snow. Just thinkg what a difference we can make if on Sunday mornings we all put our normal offering into the plate and then, we each added one dollar bill extra...that insignificant dollar when added to everyone elses dollar can make a huge impact. We need to give in any way we can...whether it is monetary or whether it is giving of ourselves and our time. No gift of giving is insignificant.
What an amazing challenge...the snowflake challenge...give your normal offering each Sunday and then add that extra $1.00 to the offering plate and then ask for God's blessings on your giving. You will be amazed how your extra dollar(your tiny snowflake)will make such an awesome difference!
Giving has always been a part of my life and find it hard when people can't even give of themselves. It doesn't always have to be monetary or materalizim just giving of yourself to help others, to be there for them is a blessing. Giving is so much of what God is about. Praise God. Where would we be if not for his Son.
the joy is in giving and being allowed to share what God has provided. It is a lesson that perhaps some haven't gotten yet. The measurement is not in the size of the gift but in your openess of heart to the spirit of God's call.
Joy and abundance are wrapped in each of our hearts, God placed it there. Open up your hearts & experinece that moment of pure joy.
Sing, be part of God's chorus!
I can still remember a time many years ago when I turned my back on someone in need. I have never forgotten how awful I felt after walking away from that situation.
I still struggle today with when to help and how. I just know one thing, I never want to experience that awful feeling I had years ago again!
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