Giving with Grace

"She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

" Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

4 Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

There are dozens of scriptures dealing with giving or helping those in need. It is obviously important, that there are so many verses dealing with it, and even more so, that Jesus himself actually spoke of it as well. Giving and kindness are two of the key character traits of Jesus, and in order to be more like him, we need to use his example. He helped everyone he could during the short time he was here on earth. But there is more to giving than just the act of giving. It's about the heart.

How do you feel about helping others or lending a hand or writing that check? Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's maybe done grudgingly- oh here they go, asking for money again. If you prepare a great banquet for those in need, but you do it with a sour note in your heart, you may as well not have done it in the first place. For God loves a cheerful giver. And that giving begins in the heart. It's your heart that opens up to the need in the first place, and looks around and sees how much you have, and how much others do not. And sometimes, the need of the other person isn't tangible at all either. Sometimes, they simply could use an encouraging smile. Maybe they could use a hug, or an encouragement from a simple prayer for their struggles and well-being.

By opening up your heart to the need around you, and opening your eyes and seeing what is truly there, you are being more and more like Jesus everyday. Sometimes we fail to see the need that may be directly in front of us. It is grace that enables those blinders to be removed and fill our hearts with compassion and caring.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If 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?" 1 John 3:16,17

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38