In week one, we talked about the context of our scripture. We learned that Paul was addressing the members of the church in Corinth that had promised to give money to people in Macedonia who were in need. So, the context of giving was specifically money-oriented giving.
But there are so many more ways to give. The ways to give to others are nearly endless and determined by specific need. For instance, a person who is grieving may need your gift of time, sympathy and compassion…a single mother who is struggling to balance the demands of her life may need someone to watch her kids for an afternoon, pick up her child from school or give her a ride to work. A person who is lonely may need someone to stop over and give them a little bit of their time.
We are to be the light of the world and that means being attentive enough to the needs around us that we can give generously to others in the way that is needed at any given time.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
So where do you start?
Thought
It may seem strange to think that you can give with your thoughts. But think about it, who do you think the most about? If you answered yourself, then you are like most people, myself included. But imagine what life would be like if we took that mental spotlight off ourselves and put it on other people more often. See, everything we do starts with a thought. If you make a meal for your neighbor, it was because you were thinking of them. If you send a card to a friend who’s sick, it shows you were thinking of them. We can’t serve and give to others if our brains are always oriented towards ourselves because we’ll simply never think of it!
Philippians 2: 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Prayer
When we think of others, we are more in tune with their needs, their blessings and dreams. This spurs us to pray for others. Our prayers are a natural out-flowing of concern and brotherly/sisterly love for one another. And when you are regularly in prayer for someone, you are more likely to follow up with that person about a concern you’ve been praying for and to let them know that you’re praying for them. This makes them feel loved and encourages them to do likewise. And isn’t that the thing about giving to others? It’s contagious! Showing love and concern for others shows others how to do it for the people around them and pretty soon an entire church culture or friend group is transformed by a pervasive culture of love and giving.
Time
Time is the thing that I tend to be most possessive of, in my own life. I have so little free time that I can be very selfish about giving my time to others. This is how I know that I need to do exactly that! So when there is a person, maybe one of my kids who asks me to spend time with them, it can feel like I’m giving away my most valuable asset. This is when I have to recognize the spirit tugging at my sleeve saying ‘this is the way in which you are being called to serve and give. With your time.’
As you think about giving this week, think outside the box. Seek and pray to perceive others’ true needs and ask yourself how you can help. And, as our verse instructs, whichever way you find to give, do so with a spirit of cheerfulness and joy, knowing that you are serving the Lord first and foremost.
Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
