The Spirit of Giving

One of the wonderful things about this time of year is hearing stories about about how people have helped out strangers, folks they don't know but who are struggling, with gifts or their time or other help of some sort. The Christian radio station we listen to has a program called "The Fish Christmas Wish" that gives people an opportunity to help someone or some family in need this time of year. They will sometimes share the stories on the radio, occasionally even the recording of the conversation when they let the individual know what someone is going to do to help them. I will confess that on more than one occasion I have been in tears listening to these stories as I drive in my car. 

What makes these stories great, in part, is the way it motivates you to want to help someone else. They make you want to "get in on" that spirit of giving and of helping out. I truly believe that if you are fortunate enough not to have a need like this, then you are in a position to lend a hand to someone else. 

While these stories are inspiring, it's also important to note that Jesus calls us to do these sorts of things "in secret". Not that we should never hear about these stories - as I just said, they are inspiring and encourage other other folks to participate. But as a rule, we are to make sure that we are giving for the right reasons.

1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matt 6:1-4)

As is true with so many other aspects of our faith - what matters is the motivation in our hearts. If we are doing something to receive the glory for ourselves, then we miss out on any future rewards. If we do it with a heart of glorifying God and are not concerned about "getting the credit", then He will reward us later. Either way, the person in need receives their help, but the latter approach is God's design.

So, how might you help someone else this Christmas season? I've provided a link above to the radio station's Christmas Wish program, if that is of interest to you. But there are so many other things you can do... Is there a family member who needs a little extra help this year? Do you know of neighbor who has a need around the house that you could help with? What about a co-worker who may be struggling this year? 

There are ways to provide this help anonymously, too. I know of one family that makes a habit of placing cash in an unmarked envelope in the mailboxes of other families they know need the help. Or you can have a package delivered to someone with no return address. Some of the fun of doing this sort of thing is being creative in the ways you can bless people! 

I know not everyone is in a position to help someone else. It may be all you can do to get by on your own. But if you are in a position to be a blessing to someone, I encourage you to do so. And not for your own glory, but for God's glory. 

(Image credit: http://www.betterdealoffer.com/Gift.html#)