No debt this Christmas
Hello there!
In the Bible there is a quick reference in Mark 12:41, about a poor widow who gave an offering of all she had to live on. She was in need and instead of asking for help, she gave all she had. There were also rich people who gave an offering. They gave, but not to the extent that she did.
She gave all she had from a generous humble heart. God saw her sacrifice and saw it as a giving of faith. There was no mention as to why she gave all she had, but she must of gave from a truly generous loving heart.
While Jesus watched many people give offerings, He called His disciples to Him and said that the poor widow had put more into the treasury than all the others. Others gave from their wealth and she gave from all she had to live on. Her giving was an act of faith and complete trust in God to provide for her needs as she gave to others.
What may look small to man-something or someone can be easily overlooked- can catch God’s attention and heart.
I’m not saying that this Christmas season everyone should give everything they have per se. But instead of spending money carelessly this season, how about intentionally giving to others in faith?
Here are some examples to give you some ideas.
· Serving others through the gift of your time (at a church, organization, shelter, or another place you see a need.)
· Sponsoring a child for Christmas – a few examples are (the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree project, the local newspaper sometimes hosts families, Blue Santa, Brown Santa, Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade, or a local child from a nearby school.)
· Making your Christmas budget focus more on giving experiences over gifts. Ideas for this include (movie tickets, date night tickets or passes, gift cards for brunch or dinner, or any other experience the recipient would enjoy.)
These are just a few ways to give this season. When people who know and love God, give generously to others, it expresses two kinds of love; - love for God and love for our neighbors. Our love for others leads to graciously giving to others which results in showing our faith and trust in God.
Prayer
Dear God,
This holiday season wrap your children warmly in your love and support. Give them the heart, mind, and soul that loves you and loves your people. Thank you for giving them a generous heart. Take care of all them and their family’s need.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
Personal reflection:
1. What part of the widow’s story stuck out to you the most, why?
2. Why is giving an act of faith?
3. How can you show Faith in God through giving this holiday season?
Stocking Stuffer!
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