Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donation of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day.
First of all, God loves a cheerful giver! That’s what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians. It also says, “every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity.” Once again, God loveth a cheerful giver.
When we give, we must give from the heart and with love, peace, caring, sharing and togetherness. We must not give with reluctance or with evil deeds in our mind, body, soul and strength. Amen!
Also, it’s better to give than to receive.
The Bible speaks of giving once again, in the Book of Luke, 6:38. It says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”
Give and you shall receive, it shall be measurably returned to you. The Bible speaks about giving yet again in the Book of John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
In the New Testament Paul “gives away” his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Phillippi. It is not easy for him. When he was imprisoned in Rome, Paul relied on their continued encouragement. “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon…I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. And I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.”
Paul freely gave to others what he most needed himself. Giving whatever we feel is most valuable in our lives today could be of great benefit to someone we know who is in need.
It may be our time, our friendship, our encouragement, a listening ear or a helping hand. The list goes on and on. If we want to touch the heart, we give stuff like this.
When we give away what the Lord has given to us, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed.
Lord, show me what I am clinging to. If someone needs it, open my heart and mind and my hands and mouth to help me give it away today. Amen!
Most books inform us, but the “good book” transforms us. What goes up must come down, even in the divine. When our praise goes up to Heaven, blessings must come down upon us all. But when evil goes up, evil will come right back down. Integrity is the key to outlive anxiety.
Sending love to all the saints and believing in my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Yours truly,
The Rev. Dr. John F. Littlejohn
