Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Psalm 24:1, Matthew 6:1-4, Mark 12:41-44, Acts 4:32-37, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
There is no worse place for your child to have the stomach bug than on an international flight. Our ten-month-old son had already been sick twice—once in his crib and once on a bus ride to Heathrow Airport. By the third time, our plane was soaring west, high above the Atlantic Ocean. Flight attendants arrived with cleaning solvent and towels, while I tried not to cry—the baby was doing enough of that for the both of us. I had run out of clean clothes, for him and for me. After we cleaned up as best as we could, a woman seated next to me, bouncing an infant on her lap, leaned over.
“Does he need some clothes?” she asked, her British accent calm and kind. She began to dig in her purse. “I think they’re about the same size.”
To this day, that baby onesie continues to be one of the kindest gifts I’ve ever received. I would not have blamed that woman if she asked the flight attendant to change her seat. But instead, she stepped closer to my distress and met me right in my desperate need.
Giving need not be mysterious, difficult, or ostentatious. An envelope of cash, slipped into a mailbox in secret. A lawn mowed without a word about the effort. A few hours spent at a soup kitchen, doling out warmth in a cold winter storm. Giving is an opportunity toward creative, beautiful ways to bless the weary world around us. The discipline of giving generously toward others always gives an even better gift in return through the Spirit: joy.
The grace of giving is a balm for humanity. Everywhere you look (if you look), you will find people in need. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Lord extolled the virtue of sacrificial giving. We are encouraged to give to the work of the kingdom (Mark 12:13–17), to the Church (2Corinthians 9:6–9), foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28–29), the fatherless (Psalm 82:3), and widows (Psalm 146:5–9). As we see in the story of the widow’s offering, generosity is never a question of how much. When we believe that “the earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD” (Psalm 24:1)—including our money, time, and resources—there is nothing to keep us from giving what we have away, even if it feels like pennies. God, in His kindness, knows what we need.
Christ invites us into the same selfless giving that defined His life, the kind of giving that makes your jaw drop and your heart leap. And the best part is, the practice of giving and its fruit bless others, but they also transform us in the process; our lives get to become the living embodiment of Christ to the world. My little gifts become tiny echoes, pointing to God’s ultimate gift. How cool is that?
So begin today. Look around and see where you might give spontaneously and abundantly. God sees all, and will fill your spirit with joy, even as He blesses the world through your giving.
Written by Claire Gibson
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85 thoughts on "Giving"
Good morning/evening— new to the chat but I’m an OG from back 2020 – I actually just went back and listened to lessons from 2020 just prior to COVID. That is what ignited this fire to study with you all!! I just got my devotional and study bible notebooks- my Danial will be here shortly!!
Welcome back, Melissa!❤️
I have nothing left to give. The thought of giving more right now, stresses me out. I guess that probably means that I am not moving in God’s energy but my own. I pray that I would move and walk in the abundance of God and not my own resources.
I pray that God would provide in His generosity
Prayers for you. You have a young family, it is perfectly normal to feel like you have nothing left to give…physically or energy!
I pray you see your expectations are what is creating the unequal relationship in energy. Hugs from Eastern North w- pray and love yourself too!
Jennifer, please do not stress, your hands are full giving at home to your young ones, God sees! Can i tell you, folding the washing is an act of giving. Cooking is an act of giving. Reading to the children is an act of giving. Sometimes, its just about giving within your little unit, and yes, whatever you are doing, though it may seem like ‘your job’ as a mom, is absolutely an act of giving!
Sending you extra hugs covered in prayers and strengthening love.❤️
I’m feeling very weary right now. I honestly feel like I
I did a little sleuthing and found that the passage quoted in 2 Corinthians 9:9 is from Psalm 112, which in the CSV is titled, “The Traits of the Righteous.” It listed generousity, fairness in business, fear of the LORD, righteousness, grace, compassion, and taking delight in his commands among the traits. I think that is a pretty good summary of the benefits of giving. Praying for the requests mentioned today. I also loved the story of the transatlantic flight; those are challenging enough without a sick baby. What a beautiful gift from a stranger! ❤️
“If I’m remembered 100 years from now now, I hope it will not be for looks but for books.”
The iconic Dolly Parton
A woman who knew poverty &
became a philanthropist.
A woman of faith &
freedom from the expectations of others.
A woman who lived by &
kept in step with the Spirit.
We will always love you.
Ive been so often the recipient of Gods kindness & generosity through others, so my prayer is that we would know where and how to bless those around us…
❤️
Oh my goodness, Claire’s story really brought me to tears. It’s so hard for parents traveling with young babies in situations like that, you are so brave, Claire! I don’t even dare travel anywhere except road trips. It brought back a memory of a wonderful blessing I received after I gave birth to my third child. I had really severe back pain from a weak core, breastfeeding was excruciating that first week, I was running on no sleep, and it was deep winter February -20°C. A lady from church who didn’t know me well (she was quite shy) asked for my home address and dropped off some braised pork ribs she had cooked right on my doorstep. They were so delicious. It was so very special to me. I cried at her generosity and kindness when I opened my door, and she had driven at least 30 minutes through snow and ice to get to my home. I praised God for His goodness and His people.
I love memories of pure joy like that…your mouth probably waters thinking about it!! I really wish I was better at blessing people with things like that! I really have been on the receiving end many times!
That is what i call giving! 30 minutes is a long time in snow and ice, I know it was some time ago, but LORD, I pray blessings abundant on this lady!❤️
I’m coming to you all with a very heavy heart this morning. Last night I found out that a young man with Cystinosis (the disease Tanner had) died in his sleep. He was 21. He has a twin sister with the same disease. This is a very kind lovely family. I know them fairly well. Please pray for them as the navigate through this tragic time of grief. Their names are Kevin, Teresa, and Jenna. Patrick was Jenna’s twin. Thank you.
Also I texted my friend Debbie and I have not heard back in several days. I’m so worried as she last said to me she was losing steam. The cancer has taken over.
Praying for the Lord’s mercy to cover this family. Praying also for your friend Debbie. Praying for you Traci, as their loss also echoes your own loss.
Praying for the family. Heartbreaking.
Joining in prayer, Traci, for broken and hurting hearts. Praying for the Lord’s comfort for all.
Praying for this family now. Also, for you, Traci and your husband.❤️
Joining in prayer for comfort and peace that these families recognuze as coming from God alone. Prayers for your heart, too, Traci, as this opens old wounds. Love you! ❤
Oh…many heavy things. I’m sorry and have prayed❤️
Oh Traci, i am sorry for this family, who mourn the loss of their son, brother, friend.. praying for them, that they may know His peace as they navigate life in their grief. Also praying for Jenna, whose head must be all over the place, Lord in your mercy, send your angels to minister to her broken heart, but also give her peace in the thoughts that may come..
I also lift you Traci in prayer as this may trigger your heart to remember your journey with Tanner.. i pray God be with you, should you feel the grief all over again.. I love you, my friend.
Also praying all is well with Debbie.. BUT GOD..❤️
One of my favorite things to do is sit down with my husband and decide where and how we are going to help others. I’m so thankful for my husbands generous spirit.
But I also like to creatively find other ways to bless others. Sharon I love that you bake a cake for those kiddos birthdays. They will always remember that gift. The grace of giving is a balm for humanity. How true is that?
That would be such a joy. I really loved when my husband signed up with automatic tithing at our church. He doesn’t make a lot, so to give automatically was good to seel. And this year he surprised me when he said he gave to my favorite local radio station during their fund drive. I said that’s awesome!! But when he told me how much I was shocked! That is way beyond his usual giving and managing our finances!! God is definitely changing his giving! What a blessing to be married to generous me for the Kingdom! :)
So very true, Traci, so very true! ❤️
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My little gifts become tiny echoes, pointing to God’s ultimate gift.” ❤️
When I was teaching school in an Adult and Continuing Ed program, we had many people taking their second chances at life. Many came from poor situations. Another colleague and I would secretly find ways to give to their needs. The one that stands out is one Christmas there was this mother that came out of an abusive situation. She had nothing to give her children for Christmas. We found out through conversations what the kids wanted. We purchased the gifts and got something for her as well. We talked my son into playing Santa Claus and delivered the gifts to her place of work. When we pulled into the parking lot, the local TV station was there interviewing people. When they saw my son dressed as Santa Claus, they rushed over and started questioning him. He kept walking, delivered the presents to her and rushed back to the car. My son’s words were, “Mom, you owe me big time!!!” We had a good laugh, but she never knew where the gifts came from.
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❤☺❤
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❤️, she does now!:) :)
Giving not only blesses others butt when you do something God has called you to do, you are blessed! It’s not like you are so proud of yourself but just God’s confirmation in your heart that you did the right thing!
I have been on both sides of giving – receiving and giving. I love the giving side the best! Sneaking in a blessing to someone you know needs it. Especially without them knowing who it is from!
Either way, He always provides for the giver and the receiver! He is so good! Help me Lord to be attentive to your leading!
❤️
I love that today’s devotional on giving was not solely focused on financial giving. Yes, that aspect is important and I think we all need to do that to whatever extent we are able but there are COUNTLESS other ways to generously give. The story the author shared of the onesie is such a sweet story and can only imagine how relieved this Mom felt after sitting in a big mess and not knowing what to do. a strangers small act of giving/sharing made a huge difference. These words stand out to me…
“Giving is an opportunity toward creative, beautiful ways to bless the weary world around us. The discipline of giving generously toward others always gives an even better gift in return through the Spirit: joy. The grace of giving is a balm for humanity.”
Yesterday we were recipients of practical (and delicious!) giving and a friend brought dinner over. So kind, thoughtful and generous – a form of giving the greatly blessed us.
The story from scripture of the woman giving her last coins always reminds me to be generous and that God truly blesses generousity and He provides.
May my heart be stirred to extravagant generousity in all ways. Blessings on your day SRT sisters
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Right away I thought of my mom when reading Mark 12:42. My mom has been a widow for 18 years now. We may have our ups and downs, but one thing I know about my mom is she gives what she can at her church and has always been generous with my siblings and I and others! I believe she continues to being blessed even though in today’s society she may be considered not having much, lives a very simple life, yet I see how well she lives off my dad’s retirement and still has enough to “give” and her example has passed on to the rest of us! God is good! It’s ALL HIM!!! My Jesus gets ALL the glory!!!
Happy Friday sweet She’s! I’m So excited for the long weekend and I’m visiting my daughter for the day tomorrow. Can’t wait!
Enjoy your visit with your daughter!
Enjoy your visit with Allysa! Hugs and prayers for safe travels..❤️
Amen!
Amen
Good morning, sisters. I just wanted to share wonderful news. Some of you may remember that my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March. He went through a clinical trial and yesterday we received the news that his cancer is gone. He has to have checkups, but based on the tests results, it is considered gone. And I am so grateful for your prayers and for the amazing strength and peace God has given us during these past two years of trials. I truly believe we are stronger because of it. I just wanted to share because you have always been there for me and I consider you family. Have a wonderful day!
Praising God for your husband’s healing, Maria! What wonderful news this morning.
That’s great news Maria! My husband just got the same results this week!
Praises for both!! Wow…Rejoice!!
So happy for you and your husband, Tami! Praise God!
PRAISE GOD for these healing mercies, MARIA B and TAMI! ❤❤❤
Thank you, Lord for answered prayer. Praise God for restored health!
Thank you, Lord!
Praise the Lord! What amazing news!
This is WONDERFUL news!!!!
Praising God!
Praise the Lord! Thank you for this incredible update, Maria. I’ve been praying! My mom is also cancer free after treatments and surgery!
Praise God!
Wonderful news, Maria! Thank you for sharing so that we can rejoice in God’s healing mercies with you!
Praise the Lord!
Thank you Lord!❤️
Praise the Lord!
That’s wonderful news Maria! God is so good.❤️
What God blessed news, Maria.. wonderful! He is good, always.❤️
These scriptures and thoughts in the devotion are what I needed to hear today. Our lives and all we have given as a sweet aroma to Christ. Bless you Lord.
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“My little gifts become tiny echoes, pointing to God’s ultimate gift. How cool is that?”…I’d say, “that’s pretty cool!
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I’m thankful for the reminder that giving doesn’t always have to be money, and it doesn’t always have to be a lot. It’s what is in the heart that matters.
I don’t always have the financial means to give money but many times I give by baking for someone or doing a kind act.
I often think I wish I had more money so that I could give to others more, but then the other side of me questions if I truly would give away more or keep it for myself. I hope the latter would be true.
Our town has an organization that helps the needy in our community. One way that I can contribute is by baking cakes for the kids in these families that have birthdays. It’s a small contribution but it brings me joy every time I get to deliver a birthday cake!
“God sees all, and will fill your spirit with joy, even as He blesses the world through your giving.” – Amen!
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Happy Friday She’s! Today we are off to RI once again, for a wedding – quick trip up today, home tomorrow!
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I’m just thinkng those cakes would bring such a smile, Sharon. What a beautiful way to give❤️
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What a wonderful thing to do! Praying for safe travels.
I believe you would be a good steward. There are those that have the means to give financially. That’s easy. But taking the time to bake or be creative in your giving is wonderful.
I agree Traci.. ❤️
Ditto sister’s replies! ❤
I had a birthday! Wish i lived closer.
Seriously though, my friend, what you do is an act of giving equal to giving money, with the exception that its personal and loving, you see the faces of those receiving.. you see the joy and i bet its priceless!❤️
I attend a fellowship group every morning before work, and people share about their own lives and ways that they look in their life to help other people. Some of these people are parents and their acts of giving her for their own children and some do not have children, and they look for ways that they can give. And it is very humbling and wonderfully challenging. I really appreciated the story about the woman on the plane today because it reminded me that there are opportunities to give in our own lives and we just have to look for them. ❤️ Hannah.
A daily fellowship group before work – wow, that’s impressive and sounds wonderful!
It sure is! Most of us have trouble prioritizing a once a week small group! That must really keep your grounded and start your day with the right perspective!
Hannah that sounds like a great way to start the day.
Before work? Wow, that is awesome Hannah!
What a beautiful way to start the day..❤️
Love that the point was made that giving is about more than money. Giving time, talent, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, are all sacrifices that rise up to God as a sweet aroma.
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In reading the Deuteronomy passage, it jumped out to me that the giver ATE the tithe with God. The tithe was not something given away so that the giver received no “benefit” but was instead a portion set aside to be part of a meal at God’s “table” (fellowship?).
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Thanks for the prayers about my application submission. I received a confirmation it was received and is in review. It’s in God’s hands if it leads to an interview.
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Happy Friday.
Good observation!…continued prayers for this possible new job.
Continuing to pray, Kelly, for the right job for you.
Continuing prayers
That stood out to me, too, Kelly! Praying God’s will in the job offer or not! ❤
Continued prayers Kelly, either way.. BUT GOD..
Sending much love and hugs, dearest Kelly..❤️
Amen!
Morning Dearests!
Having to dash today, but I shall return later, by Gods grace to comment.
In the meantime, sending love, hugs and prayers to you this wet Friday..❤️❤️❤️
We LOVE you our sweet Tina!
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