One person gives freely, yet gains more;
another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
Proverbs 11:24
Do we really believe that? If so, why not practice it more?
This is the challenge given to my small group this past Wednesday: Give something freely this week with no resentment. When your friend compliments your jacket- hand it over. If your co-worker comments she wished she had ordered that coffee drink when the run was made- pass it on! There are so many ways to give, but how often do we do it?
As I started thinking about this, I realized that it is just easier for some than others. Some wonderful people are just naturally gifted at "gifting". However, we are all called to grow in this area as Christians, so I pondered how we can all be challenged. I found there are three different areas we can give in:
Financial (Physical Gifts),
Love (Compassion/ Acceptance/ A Listening Ear), and
Time.
We all have one of these areas that we are good at giving in and one that we struggle with.
Take some time today to ask the Lord to make it very evident as to which one you need the most practice in. Then go and give in that way! Make the decision to do so at least once this week, and you'll be amazed at how much you gain.
This reminds me so much of Ruel--he had a heart for giving! If you even mentioned that you liked something--it was yours! But many times someone received something from him and never knew where it came from--he gave from the heart, not for the thanks he receivd! (His father did the same things--guess he had a good teacher!) He also gave with love--he loved you unconditionally--might not have loved all you did, but still loved you. He spent hours sharing and listening to others. He spent his life giving and enjoyed every minute of it! I loved sharing it with him....
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