We all live in a world where we are constantly giving and receiving. We were given life by God through our parents, and we have the opportunity every day to give into the lives of those with whom we interact. Your every breath is a gift from God . . . think about that for a moment. Be grateful for the gift of life.

Proverbs 3: 9 – 10

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce,

Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine

How do we honour the Lord with our wealth? By sharing our resources with others in need. Are you stingy? Do you find it difficult to give? Remember how much God has given you, and be grateful. Gratitude is a wonderful motivation to give. If you haven’t got any money, you can always give your time, your skills, your prayers, a smile, a kind word, an encouraging phone call or a text. Perhaps you can even give by forgiving someone who has hurt you?

Luke 6: 38

Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

There are many scriptures reminding us that God will bless us as we give. This is not our motivation, but it is a spiritual reality. The real question is not whether you can afford to give but if you can afford not to give. Don’t cut off God’s blessing in your life because you are unwilling to help others.

2 Corinthians 9: 7

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.

Be a cheerful giver. Make others feel good when you help them. Remember God is using you to assist others. You are an agent of God’s compassion. It is a privilege we must not take for granted.

Jesus is God’s gift to us; let us pass on this gift to others. May we be giving people, understanding that our blessing is a lifeline for someone who is desperate. We are a reminder to the world that God loves them, and so do we.