TODAY IS…

the perfect day to give.

“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12 NLT

When we awake each morning, do we thank God for His gift of the new day?

Do we stop and look around us in awe and wonder at all of the individual gifts that each new day contains? We needn’t look far for these gifts. We only need to open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds and realize that everything we can see, hear, smell, and touch exists because it is a gift from God.

There are so many things around us that we take for granted as we rush through our lives: the sun; the stars; the clouds that drift soundlessly overhead; dew drops on the petals of a flower or a blade of grass; the sound of a bird singing its own song of life; the quiet beauty of a snowfall.

Simple things.

Everyday things.

These are all things that we should stop from time to time, take notice of, and thank God for.

When we give pause to show our appreciation for the One who makes everything in life possible, and when we give thanks for all of His countless gifts, we are one step closer to giving back and showing our love for, and commitment to, God and all that He created.

The best way to demonstrate that love and commitment is to give back to God in a manner that reflects His spirit within us. Believers in Macedonia, while not financially well off themselves, gave “…according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord…” (2 Corinthians 8:3 NASB).

The attitude is more important than the amount.

A gift given with enthusiasm and a joyful spirit will have more of a positive spiritual impact than one given out of grudging obligation. It is true that our churches require funds to operate and provide assistance to those who need it, but far too many of us write the check and then write off any further obligation to their fellow man and to God Himself.

Giving of ourselves – with a joyful heart and a willing spirit – is often more important than giving financially. For those who simply cannot afford to give financially, giving of themselves may be all that they can give.

But what a thing to give!

Philemon was a perfect example of how attitude and temperament can refresh the spirit of others, replenishing and stimulating them. In his letter to Philemon, Paul said, “Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.” (Philemon 1:7 NLT).

Be a Philemon.

Be someone who lifts others up and makes their burdens – be they financial or spiritual – lighter.

Give back to God who gives us – everything.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson