These days, all we hear is that the gap between the haves and have not’s is widening. So we got to thinking, why don’t we as believers change that perception by giving like our Heavenly Father? Giving through His eyes.
With all the busyness of the season, it’s easy for us to lose sight of people around us who have a need. It could be; our neighbor in need, the single mother making a decision to pay the light bill or buy food. We even pass over the child whose only gift is possibly a toothbrush, instead of a toy.
We all desire to be loved no matter our religion or ethnicity. Most people are more receptive to receiving love from perfect strangers during the holiday season, than any other time.
In previous blogs, we’ve talked about how thanking God in everything will get you through anything, and even when Christmas is over, it really isn’t over! However, today we want to challenge you to open your eyes and hearts over the next few months by seeking God as to who He would have you bless.
In 2 Corinthians 9: 7 (AMPC), says: “Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].”
You see; God is unwilling to abandon a cheerful giver. If you have a heart to give to those in need; God will make sure you have all that you need. Let this Holiday season be an opportunity to reach out and show the love of God through a gift, a prayer, a phone call, a hug or even a hot meal that someone may need.
Sometimes, the best way to get through to someone’s heart is through a gift. Proverbs 18: 16 in The New Living Translation says: “Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!”
Just imagine the neighbor who doesn’t speaks to you, may talk to you when you walk over and bless them. You never know the joy a mother in the store would feel, when you walk up and hand her $50 and say God bless you.
Whatever God leads you to do, purpose to be aware, and sensitive to the showing God’s love to the people He places in front you.
The gap between the haves and have not’s are only prevalent to those who participate in dividing us as people. When we value every man, woman and child as the Lord values them, we will go out of our way to make sure our brothers and our sisters have food to eat, and the bare necessities.
If you’re thinking to yourself, I do these things, then we would challenge you to take your giving to another level. Possibly look into programs that help children in other countries like: Operation Christmas Child.
Over the last few years, we have participated with our church in this program through the Samaritan Purse. It is a wonderful opportunity to sow into the life of a child around the world.
One year, we received a letter back from one of the leaders who helped delivered the boxes. The letter included a photo of the little girl who received our box. To see her beautiful picture and to hear of the gratitude for receiving the bare necessities, humbled us as a family, and spoke volumes to our children.
God, set the example of being the ultimate gift giver by giving the world His only-begotten Son. So that we could have eternal life.
Then, why don’t we follow His leading and give in a way to the lost and broken around us? As a result, they too can experience the love of Jesus Christ we experience daily?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
~ John 3:16 (NLT)
~André and Timberley Gray
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