A HEART FOR GIVING

Here in this month of thinking about hearts and love we come to the
issue of giving. Giving gifts to the one we love is easy. When you
love someone you want to give them nice things. God gave His only Son
so that we might have life. That in fact was the ultimate gift of
love!

When you think of giving what comes to mind? For some it may be
money. I think of giving an offering or a tithe. The Bible says lots
about giving. In churches when a message on giving is preached often
people bristle and say 'there he goes begging for money again.' News
flash! It all belongs to God anyway. We are to be good stewards of
what is entrusted to us.

In the book of Luke 6:38(NIV) it says 'Give and it shall be given to
you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will
be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be
measured unto you.' Luke 11:11(NIV) says 'Which of you fathers, if
your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?' It is like
the story of the Prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32. As you may
recall this son had left home and squandered all his father had given
him living an immoral life style. When he was destitute he returned to
his father's home only to be received warmly and treated like royalty.
The father rejoiced because this son had been "lost" but had returned
home.

When you give money to help others does it make you feel good? 1 John
3:17(NIV) reminds us 'if anyone has material possessions and sees his
brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in
Him?' So you see there that giving is in fact equated with love. We
have come full circle then.

Today and every day show love to those around. Speak in a kind manner.
If you are blessed don't be stingy but learn to share from the
abundance God has given you. Remember what it says in Matthew
6:21(NIV) 'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for all you have blessed me with. Help me
be alert to those around me who have legitimate needs and try to
assist when necessary. I realize the money is really yours as you
alone give us the power to get wealth. Money is not bad but being too
attached to it can be a hindrance. Help me learn to be generous. In
Jesus' name. Amen.