What do you think of when it comes to giving? How has giving been modeled in your home as you grew up? Often what we practice grows out of what we witnessed as a child.
Essentially, giving is more of an attitude that an action. It involves the way we think about our money. Like many things in life, our giving is a reflection of our character.
So what do you think would limit your ability to give to others? Think about giving as more than just money. Think about what limits your ability to give of your time and energy as well.
We can get so wrapped up in ourselves that we leave little for anyone else. We invest our time, energy, and money into things we want, and often miss opportunities to give to those who have a genuine need.
Jesus was a giver on all levels. He gave of His time. Think about how many times in Scripture we read about Jesus going away to a quiet place, but the crowds followed. Jesus didn’t tell them to get lost. He ministered to them.
Jesus walked all over the place and took time to heal people, both physically and emotionally. Jesus would have walked miles to heal one person.
Jesus gave up His standing in society. The Son of God was more concerned about helping others than being accepted by the popular people of His day.
Jesus ultimately gave His life. He was willing to suffer not only the physical pain of the cross, but the spiritual suffering of separation from the Father. God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—had been in continual community for all of eternity. Jesus was willing to suffer by giving up that community with Father and Spirit so that He could have community with you and me. Through His attitude and actions, Jesus provides a model that calls us all to consider our attitude and strive to be more like Him.
shine!
Jason
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