2:256 – Giving Is Living

#faithbites #faithjourney #redletterchallenge giving

Today I wanted to treat my wife and me to bagels. I went and picked up two bagels for me and a bagel for my wife. I started to drive home and saw a man on the street with a sign asking for money, food, or anything. I thought to myself that I don’t need two bagels and should turn around and give him one. But I didn’t. This time, I kept going. I am still thinking about it now. That isn’t very Christianly to do. I had more than enough and he may not have had anything.

This is what today in the #RedLetterChallenge is all about. Giving. Jesus talks more about money and giving than anything in the Bible except the Kingdom of heaven. If it’s that important to Jesus, shouldn’t it be important to us?

Scripture

• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
• When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:30

Reflection

God gave his one and only son to teach us and bridge the gap between man and God. Jesus gave his life to pay for our sins and complete that bridge.

We are asked to give not because we have to for salvation, but if we live a Christian life, we should want to give. Just like we talked about service yesterday, we should give of our time, talent, treasure.

On the way home today, I was listening to the WGLT fund drive. They said no money is too much or too little. If you have $1 great if you have $5000 great. All the money together is what funds the station.

Our giving is like that. Together we are mighty and do God’s work. Next time I see a person like that, I will give up my food for them.

Challenge

How do you give? Do you hold onto stuff that others could have and use just because you think you may need it or don’t have the time to give it away? Take the time. Do something for someone else.

Prayer

Lord, you have been the greatest example of giving. Help us to give like that. Forgive us for all the times we have been selfish or inconsiderate with giving. I am sorry for not giving of my food and all the other times I should have given. Build in us a heart of giving and generosity. In your name, Amen.