TODAY IS…

a perfect day for sharing.

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”  1 Timothy 6:17 NIV

The Roman statesman Seneca once said, “This is the law of benefits between men; the one ought to forget at once what he has given, and the other ought never to forget what he has received.”

Sharing what we have with another who is in need is something we can do which God finds extremely pleasing. Some of us may find it awkward or difficult at first to reach out to others and share with them. We may be uncomfortable because we are unaccustomed to it. Perhaps we are uncertain of what to share or how to share. We may find ourselves holding back because we are afraid that it is too little, or the wrong thing, or the wrong time.

What we may be doing is complicating something that is actually not complicated at all. We simply need to follow the instruction given in the Bible which says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).

With a little patience, a little practice, and a little prayer, we can all become experts at pleasing God through sharing with others, helping ourselves to mature as Christians at the same time.

Whether it is food, clothing, shelter, money, or simply our time, giving a gift of ourselves to another is giving a gift of love to God.

In this busy world, many of us would place our time at the bottom of that list of things we have available to share, but take the time and give it to someone else who needs it. We may just find that the Lord will reward us by helping us enjoy the time we have left even more.

Volunteering to help the blind or the elderly, to work in a thrift shop, at a church mission that feeds the poor, or by simply mowing an elderly neighbor’s lawn or helping to repair a broken fence can send a message of God’s love that will be clearly heard and deeply appreciated.

All one need do is look around and it is easy to find ways to share with others. Reading the Bible daily will help to motivate us and to find other ways to share as well, such as sharing God’s glory.

Joining and being active in a church is the best way to accomplish all of the above methods of sharing, for as the Bible says, “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.” (Acts 2:44 NLT).

Food, clothing, money, time and the glory of Jesus Christ. Use God’s gift of today to share yourself with others.

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