I am sometimes a cheerful giver; sometimes I'm just not a giver at all. I try to give and I try not to give because I feel pressured to do so. Our goal should be to give freely of all that we have. It does feel good to give. It feels good to be able to give without worry of want and this is what God promises.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NKJV)
As our household has given, we have received and found that God has provided. I would like to say that we give all that we can, but we do not. We have food and shelter in abundance, we lack for nothing and have many luxuries to spare while our brothers and sisters sleep outdoors and watch their children starve. This troubles me greatly and I pray for guidance, as I do not know how to reach those of greatest need in countries where war and strife keep those who would help at bay. I give in my own small little world, in my own small little world, but still there is such need. My husband reminds me that God knows my heart and that my giving is down out of love and thus a worthy gift no matter how ineffective. But still I long for a solution for those who suffer.
So what can I say? Let us all remember to pray that aid can reach those in greatest need and that the Lord will use us to bring assistance to those of his children who have not.
A local church had a great idea for Super Bowl Sunday and I want to pass it along and share a little more about giving. A paper grocery sack was left on our doorstep last week with a note attached. The church is having a "Souper Bowl of Caring". On January 31st youth from the church will return for the bags that they hope to find on many doorsteps filled with non-perishable goods for local food banks. I think this is a great idea. We always have extra cans of something and I'm happy to give, but often overlook the opportunity to do so. So, I prepared a bag full of goodies and then had to explain to the children that they weren't to unload that bag of groceries for me. This led to a lengthy and long overdue discussion of what it means to not have enough. I don't know why the topic hasn't come up more often. It has always been my intention to teach my children to be giving; yet here I am with a 6 year old and no system for him to give regularly! I did not ask, but after I explained that some could not afford groceries, he ran to his bank to gather some money to give. So despite my neglect, God has seen to it that my son is aware of the needs of others and willing to help. Now it is my job to nurture that seed so that it brings forth great fruit in praise of God. So I am grateful that a local church took the time to drop off an empty sack, not only so that I could give but also so that I was reminded of my obligation to teach my children.
