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Listen while you read: "O How I Love Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
Luke 6:38 – Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full — pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. (NLT)
He gave until he took his final breath.
My paternal grandfather was a giver. I have fond memories of his giving to others but also of how much he gave to me — and not always in monetary form. As a single guy, I had difficulty handling big expenses. My grandfather always came to my rescue: tires, an air conditioner, and even appliances.
He also gave in other ways. His garden spot was small — barely enough to feed him and my grandmother throughout the year. Yet, he gave produce to family members, friends, and strangers.
He also gave time. When I was small and we lived nearby, he and I spent every weekend at the airport watching small planes land and depart or at the local gardens walking among the moss-covered oaks and lounging beside the coursing river. After high school graduation, I lived a few short miles from my grandparents. They gave me an open invitation to visit and eat with them as often as I liked. And just before his death, he smiled at me and assured me that he was going to heaven.
Jesus cautions that the amount of our giving is important and will determine how much we receive in return. If we give, He will give back to us, and what He returns will be far more than the original amount we gave — and not just in monetary figures.
Giving — in whatever form it takes — should be consistent. My grandfather wasn't moody, inconsistent, or temperamental with his giving. Nor was Jesus. During His entire earthly ministry, He gave consistently to those with needs. We have no record that He ever gave money, but what He did give — compassion, healing, instruction, salvation — was more important. Local churches and Christianity in general suffer when believers don't give consistently.
Giving should also be motivated by love — and nothing else. My grandfather had no ulterior motives. He hoped for nothing in return. Nor did Jesus. All that He desired was that people believe in Him. Though churches, businesses, individuals, and community organizations still benefit when gifts given from impure motives are given, giving out of pure love is the only kind that God recognizes and rewards.
Are we living our lives with a giving spirit?
Prayer: Father, guide us to give consistently and with love, even as You do. Amen.
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Thank you.
Amen Martin.
Memories are precious treasures. Blessings.
Thank you Matin, such a moving devotional, blessings.
Great parents make great descendants.
I thanks God for mine.
Amen, and thank you for your timely reminder of HIS love.
(Texas)
Amen, Martin! Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
Yes, Martin! I had to sit down hard on my envy when you write of your grandfather, (Never had any). God is in it for us all. Thanks for the reminders.
Dear Martin:
Your grandfather would be so proud of you! You’re a giver too. Your devotionals have given me hope, strength and a few chuckles too.
God bless you and your wife and family Martin and please keep writing.
Greetings Martin and thanks for another inspiring devotional. Your grandfather surely was a caring, compassionate person who followed very closely the example of Jesus. It is very evident he was a very good influence in your life and deserving of praise and thanks for so many special memories. Blessings for sharing about your grandad and many blessings for these writings you do.
Good morning, Martin,
What a powerful devotional on what it means to be a “giver” of all things. How blessed you are to have a grandfather who gave you such a good example of how to live your life.
You are a giver of your time and thoughts with your consistent giving of good devotionals. I am sure you are a giver in other ways also, but this one I benefit directly from. Thank you.
The importance of giving our love is special because it is not always the reason why we give. Sometimes it is just out of duty and therefore in God’s eyes I am sure it doesn’t count.
May your day be blessed with lots of opportunities to give. Blessings.
Good morning, Martin.
This is such an uplifting message. I just made a donation to the Sick Children’s hospital in Toronto Canada.in honour of an 11-year-old boy that I know, a boy with severe epilepsy and a brain tumour. He has faced so much in his 11 years, all the while staying strong and pushing forward. He is truly an inspiration at his young age.
The next item I opened in my inbox was your message on Living with a Giving Spirit. I try my best to support as many people and associations as I can. I always wish I could give more. Our God has blessed me richly, far beyond that I am worthy of. But for God’s Grace go I.
Blessed assurance!
(QC, CANADA)