Giving Is Always in Season

Acts 20:35 (NIV)  In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

            About a year ago The Boston Globe reported a story about giving by reporter Kiera Blessing. Here is the gist of it:

            The Salvation Army receives some strange items in its red kettles during the Christmas season. Lieutenant Michael Harper, commander of the Cambridge Salvation Army in Boston said, "In addition to money, I've seen watch batteries, paper clips, safety pins, all sorts of strange things, but this one takes the cake." The gift was a diamond engagement ring given by a widow in honor of her late husband. The charity says the anonymous benefactor placed the diamond ring—valued at $1,850 (according to the woman’s appraisal)—and her wedding band in one of the kettles placed outside Boston's North Station. The rings were donated along with a note honoring the benefactor's late husband: "I've dropped my wedding ring in your Red Kettle knowing that the money from its sale will buy toys for needy children," the woman wrote. "In all seasons, my husband was a giver. I especially remember his joy in giving at Christmastime, especially to those in need. To honor his memory, I donate this ring." The rings sold a few days later for an astonishing $21,000, eleven times their appraised value. The anonymous donor did give some clue to part of her motivation, writing a short proverb at the bottom of her note: "To find out what a man is worth, take away his money and his possessions."

            There are many opportunities placed before us – especially in December - to give. May the Lord give you wisdom and grace in your giving, so that you may give joyfully and experience the fullness of the blessing Jesus promises to givers. Though you might not be placing an engagement ring in a kettle, it is the act that counts. Jesus puts no boundaries on the blessing. Whatever the size of any gift, blessing comes to the giver.

Matthew 2:11 (NIV)  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Proverbs 22:9 (NIV)  A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for every opportunity to give that you place before me. Open my heart to the joy and blessing  that comes with these opportunities. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott