A heart of giving

Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is in full force. The holidays bring a time to give more than we have received as Jesus commands his followers to do in Acts 20:35. A giving heart  is one that should be cultivated not only during the Christmas season, but all year long. What would it look like if we gave without constraints? The giving of time, money and resources can transform the lives of those who are most in need. Our family, friends, neighbors, those here in the states and those across the world need our giving not only during Christmas, but all year long. 

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of followers of Jesus giving everything they had to support the church and care for others. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus tells the story of the poor widow and her offering. While He was teaching, an offering was taken for the church. Surrounded by wealthy people, the widow put in two copper coins- all that she had. Compared to those around her, this offering was small, but she gave all that she had for the sake of following Jesus. 

In verse 43 and 44 Jesus says, “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on.” 

Even though her gift was small, she still gave with a cheerful and glad heart. She knew her giving had an eternal impact. This story teaches where the posture of our hearts should be when we give. Giving is not for self gratification, it is for the sake of glorifying the Lord and serving His people. Stewarding what the Lord has blessed you with brings honor to Him as you care for others in His name. 

Love others like Christ loves His people. Make room to provide for others and meet their needs. Giving is a sacrificial love that cares for people like Jesus. Remember that Jesus saw the needs of others and brought hope to them. You can bring hope through your generosity to people in Arkansas, the United States and all over the world. You can be a blessing to others and advance the hope that is found in Jesus. 

“Freely you have received; freely give.”

Matthew 10:8