I was able to give time, small amounts of money, e-cards, encouragement, and gifts to friends and strangers alike. I was also surprised that nearly 1/2 of the opportunities I had were not planned in advance. They came from a newfound awareness of those in need around me!
"12 He said also to the man who had invited him, When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Whether we mean to or not, it's easy to give while hoping to receive something in return. We all appreciate a "thank you" or an expression of gratefulness in return. However, according to this passage the true spirit of giving expects nothing in return - not a hug, not a thank you note, or a reciprocal gift!
There is nothing wrong with these sweet blessings that often accompany giving, however it should not motivate our giving. I'd much rather receive that blessing when I stand before my Lord at the "resurrection of the just"!!
Thank you to all the wonderful bloggers who coordinated the challenge this month!! God used it in my life in great ways, and I'm excited to continue the "awareness of giving" in my life!
How have YOU been able to give lately?
