Give Without Sparing

Giving to others liberally is what the Lord expects of His children, and giving to others is what the Lord placed on my heart as another way of “showing love.”

“Recently, I heard a sermon on showing others you love them, and I realized it’s not necessarily what I tell them, but how I show them. In my devotions every morning, I’ve been researching the word love, and how to “show” my love to others—family and friends.” Here is the third lesson I’ve learned about “showing love.”

Giving of myself is sometimes hard. I can think of a million reasons why I should keep to myself and be selfish with my time, money, talents, counsel, encouragement …etc.  Why should I be selfish with the assets and blessings the Lord has given me? Without His love and bountiful grace, I would have nothing …I would be nothing. I’ve been given a wonderful chance to help others by sharing the blessings God has given me. Not only will I be blessed in this world if I share with others, but I’ll be laying up treasures in heaven. The Bible tells all who are rich in benefits to share those blessings.

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”  1 Timothy 6: 17-19

Sometimes the simplest word spoken, the smallest financial gift given, even the tiniest amount of time spent to listen to a crying heart can encourage and uplift a friend or family member. It’s within my power to help.

If I saw a baby deer caught in a trap, with the mama deer fretting close by, I know I would move heaven and earth to set it free. Yet how much more important to help a human being who is hurting or feels trapped by the temptations and disappointments of life  It’s easier than I think to give my resources to a friend in need, or a sister begging for advice.

If you help someone in some way, not only will it encourage your friend, but that good deed will return to you in the future … that’s a promise from the Bible:

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

Can you see a friend in need? It will bless your heart to “give,”—time, money, a word of encouragement, a meal for someone hurting. Ask the Lord to help you find a hurting soul who needs you today.