And I have been a constant example of
how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words
of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Instead, be
kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through
Christ has forgiven you.
I was talking with a local man who doesn’t attend
church. One of my favorite things is
talking to people about the fact that God changes lives. We shared several stories and talked about
the vision of the Dream Center.
This man said something that hit me and is part of
the DNA of what we do and who we are.
“Giving makes me feel good.” I
agree, and I bet you do too. Giving is
an awesome thing we can do. Not only
does it help others, but it meets a need in our lives.
That is one reason why I want to teach my kids and
those I lead that it is better to give than to receive. We are more like Jesus when we are
giving. We put ourselves and our wants
to the side when we help others, BUT you have to check the reason you give.
Do you give just to feel good? Wrong reason.
Do you give to others to make yourself look good? Wrong reason.
Do you give to get a tax credit?
Wrong reason. Do you give to
bless others because you have been blessed?
Right reason.
God gave. That
means we should give. God loves us. That means we should love others. Real love gives to others without a thought
of what it will get in return. I pray
that this Christmas and in 2012 that we will be givers. I pray that our giving will bless people and
help lives to change, beginning with you and me.
In the coming days and hours take a few minutes to
see that Jesus is given the proper place in your Christmas. Enjoy the giving and getting of presents, but
through it all lift up Jesus. Let others
see your joy. Let God use you and me to help
others find hope that last long after Christmas.
“It is possible to give without loving,
but it is impossible to love without giving.” — Richard Braunstein
Give
generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in
everything you do.
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