Yesterday, one of the couple’s from church were given love gift$ because they were going to the Phils, finally after 20 yrs of waiting. It touched my heart that God’s body wanted to bless them.
As a young couple, I’m always hoping Perze and I can bless people as well instead of hoarding things in our storehouse. It’s a great reminder to take steps of faith and bless people today instead of waiting to always be blessed.
On the drive home, I was telling Perze about my burdens, questioning why people had it in them to give while other people don’t have the discernment to give back, instead, just take. To be honest, I know love should be given unconditionally, but it still makes me feel uneasy when people want you to do so much for them without even the thought of wanting to do the same for you. Why do people long for attention without giving attention to people who need it just the same?
Through the years, I’ve grown to single out and appreciate the most, those who give…and I mean, those who give. Specific names pop out, unselfish souls who are giants in generousity, the ones that humble me and challenge me to give as well. And I’m not speaking just in money terms, but time, concern, service, gifts, company… helping a friend, being a friend, etc. I’ve seen people who don’t even have a lot, give a lot. And retrospectively, I’ve seen people who have a lot, give so little or even not at all.
But what I’m reminded of is this- whatever we give (or what we don’t give) is not even ours to give or withhold. Everything under heaven that passes along to our path is by grace, given by God, and yes, faithful stewards we are to be, but if we’ve been blessed, we should also bless. Selfishness is not a condition to just accept as part of our genetic makeup. Let’s face it, selfishness is a choice.
Acts 20:35
New International Version (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.”
