Rule 5: Give
I had an encouraging giving experience that I’d like to share. I was in our campus store, and GOD led me to purchase snacks for my employees. I was excited; I thought, “Great idea GOD!” Better, my staff was excited to receive; the look on their faces was definitely a Kodak moment! Best, a few days later, the same thing happened to me. One of my co-workers brought me a snack, and it absolutely made my day!
In the text cited above, JESUS assures us that we’ll be blessed when we give. In spite of this stark guarantee, sometimes, we cringe when opportunities to give arise. We’re full of excuses – the economy is unstable, I can’t afford it, there’s nothing in it for me, the recipient might not use the gift as I intended, etc. If we’re not careful, we risk being slaves to stinginess. And one thing is certain: you can’t put anything in a closed hand.
This recharge is a reminder of our mandate to give – GOD commanded it and is the ultimate example of giving. GOD gave HIS SON; CHRIST gave HIS life. So rather than embrace a “give me” spirit, live looking for ways to bless others.
Give … time, love, attention, compassion, grace, mercy, etc