John 3:16 (NKJV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Have you ever heard or seen some type of fund raising activity and you just had to donate to that cause? Maybe you cleaned out your closet or garage and took all your unwanted items to your local thrift shop? How about getting involved in your church or community volunteering to help with a project or program?
As you can see, giving can come in many forms from money, to items, or even just the time to be there. If you really sat down to think about it you can probably come up with many more examples. The bottom line is that we may see this daily.
I have worked in a few places where it seemed that I was there someone was asking me to buy something or make a donation. Things got even worse when my children were older and we were the ones selling or asking for a contribution. Then I can’t forget the countless times I was asked to be a coach or help in the concession stand.
I am not opposed to giving, but every one of us can reach our limit because we don’t agree with the cause, can’t use the product, or just don’t have anything to give. We all probably know a few people or it could be ourselves that give time or money whenever called upon. This may not be a bad thing, but we also have to look at the why.
If we are genuine about our caring or have a sincere belief in the cause, then we should give if we can. But if our only motive is recognition or a need for self-fulfillment, then we have to take a serious look at what we are doing. For some of us it may be difficult remembering when we just gave or helped because it was the right thing to do without looking for any reward or accolades.
We may even convince ourselves that we can be that selfless person until we are asked to part with something we really do not want to give up or have to get down into the muck and mire to help someone. Some of us may know people that give and give of themselves until they have nothing left, but we may not know if their intent is pure.
It is difficult to find those whose actions are unadulterated with no ulterior motive and ask for nothing in return. At times we may be the recipient of the kind gesture or needed assistance and we may not know how to respond. Some of us may overthink things and let fear and doubt let the moment slip by without any meaningful retort. People have been letting their human nature get in the way for centuries
If we want to look at the first example of selfless giving, then we must go to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God gave us everything starting with the earth on which we exist. Continuing on He gave us light, darkness, plants, animals, and so much more to include our very lives. Everything man could ever want or need, but we all know how we thanked Him.
Even though a wedge was thrust in between us and God, He never stopped giving to mankind. All the scriptures that describe how God continued to save, rescue, and give, while we continued to rebel and disobey. There were so many times that He could have just decided to start over from scratch.
Our ancestors had to endure many rules that required sacrifice to restore some of what was tainted, but there was always more that needed to be done. This is why His love for us could not be denied and we continued until He sent His Son to teach us a better way. Jesus lived an exemplary life that was an inspiration to countless people.
Even though the prophetic scriptures in the Old Testament and even the words spoken by Jesus told of what the future held, so many people missed it. Even His closest followers could not comprehend the entirety of what was being said or what had to be done to remove that wedge and restore the bond between man and God.
The Apostle Paul summed it up very nicely in Romans 5:7-9, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not many of us would die for someone else.
Every Easter we celebrate what Christ did, and we declare it as part of becoming a Christian. The Lord cleared the way for us to be forgiven by giving His life so we could find ours. Do not take this for granted and we should acknowledge the selfless act that meant so much more. Remember to always be thankful in all things.
Jesus even told us in John 14:16 of God’s further plan once He was not there, “And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-” Even though we killed His Son, God still loved us that He gave us the Holy Spirit to continue to walk along side and guide us through everything we face. So, join me in thanking the Father for never stopping to love us and continue to give us what we need.
FEEL ME THERE WHEN YOU ARE WEAK
I can say I care about others but how far would I really go,
Would you be able to tell by looking at what my actions show?
It may not be just about giving but why I am doing that goes along,
Am I sincere about my motives or are all my intentions wrong.
The voices that drive me forward can really be confusing enough,
If I can’t find you in the chaos it can make my journey rough.
God, it should not matter how much I give when you are close at hand,
How can I help others find you when I feel I’m standing on sinking sand?
My child, find out why you don’t have what you’re trying to give away.
You may be placing too much faith in the world than hearing what I say.
My word is filled with everything you need to show you how to live,
And I sent my son to the earth as an example of how to give.
He served me and lived a sin free life until he was hung upon a post,
Betrayed by man he gave up the very thing that you value most.
Take some time to ponder this and pray for the guidance that you seek,
You must listen for the answers and Feel Me There When You Are Weak.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 