Giving, Is It Worth It?

And so, scripture reads in 2 Corinthians 8:9, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (NIV). "Tis the season to be jolly!" Yes, friend that's right. It is the season to be jolly, spread love, and give. In 2 Corinthians chapter 8 Paul praised the Macedonian churches because through extreme poverty, together as one body, they gave with overflowing joy, and rich generosity. My, my, my, I would say that, is the true meaning of giving. How can people who are in extreme poverty for one, have overflowing joy, and two, rich generosity? Well I'm so glad you asked. Later, in chapter 8 verse 12 Paul says, "If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." What Paul is saying is that you are rich. You can give, and all you must do is be willing to do so. Your riches are not how much money you have to spend, it's the heart behind the giving. Your riches are manifested in the giving of your time, your service, your sharing, your smile, your hugs, your phone calls, and your love for others. Your riches are manifested by saying a kind word to someone who has hurt you. Your riches are manifested when you feed at a shelter, visit someone in the hospital. Your riches are manifested when you give a word of hope to someone that is hopeless. Your riches are manifested when you share the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during times when the news stations are sharing all but, good news. Christ became poor so that we could become rich and we are very rich. God placed the gift inside of you. I want to remind you of what Peter said in Acts 3:5, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give you." (NIV) If God blessed us with a gift, then why aren't we using our gift to give?

Love "T"