Daily Devotion

July 9, 2016

Start giving to others


“Giving, not getting, is the way.”

Lk 6:38 TM

Generosity isn’t just about money. Lots of people say, “As soon as I get rich I’ll become more generous.” But the greatest givers often have the least money. Grandmothers on meager pensions are sending a few dollars a month to help build orphanages. People barely making it are giving to feed the hungry. Retired employees are mentoring younger workers. Single people with limited resources are spending their evenings working with the homeless or families in need. No matter where you are financially, you can begin a lifestyle of giving. If you can come up with the money for a nice car, dining out, movie tickets, dating, and other leisure activities, chances are you can find something to give if you really want to. Jesus said, “Give away your life; you’ll find life…not merely given back—[but] given back with bonus and blessing” (v. 38 TM). Want a bonus? Want a blessing? Start giving your time, treasure and talent to others. Jesus either lied or He told the truth, and you need to find out which. If you believe He told the truth you’d be foolish to withhold instead of giving. Norman Vincent Peale said: “When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you’ll be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor.” Jesus said, “Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” So start giving to others and see what happens.

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