The heart of the sincere giver is love for the ‘whosoever’. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” So records John, the dedicated believer in Jesus, God’s Son.
A simple staff with the touch of God became mighty.
Much of what has been given to us may, in turn, be given by us. I recently was asked to bring the eulogy to the large gathering at the funeral service of my ninety-five year old father. I began by reminding those who were present that life is fairly simple, encompassing two questions: What are we going to do with that which has been given us? What are we going to leave behind? The first question has everything to do with living. The second question has to do with legacy.
Sometimes we are tempted to dwell on that which we do not have or that which we have lost. How much better it is to consider we do have – who we are, what we have, abilities, talents, gifts, experiences, and possessions. With a loving heart, we have the capacity every day to be a blessing to whoever crosses our path as well as those we already know. With God, the more we give the more we get and the more we get the more we can give. What goes around comes around.
Some may say. “I really don’t have much to give.” I am reminded of the biblical character, Moses. God called Moses to lead the nation of Israel out of bondage. Moses pleaded inability. Moses initially began thinking about what he could not do and did not have. “I am not eloquent.” God challenged Moses. “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. “Throw it on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.” As time went on, that simple staff was constantly with Moses as he confronted Pharaoh of Egypt and as he smote the waters and opened the Red Sea. A simple staff with the touch of God became mighty. Israel was delivered and Moses left a legacy of a nation that would one day enter the Promised Land. Let us give to others what has been given to us. It is more blessed to give than to receive!