Date: Sun, 24 May 1998 07:14:06 +1000
From: Pastor Ron Clarke <>
Subject: Word for the Week 24 May

GIVING

There are many ways in which a person may give.  They may give as if the
giving was a grim sacrifice from which they cannot escape as much as they
would like to, rather like having a tooth pulled.

Or they may make it clear that the gift is being extracted from them and
they dislike parting with it.

It may even happen that a gift, even a much needed gift, is given in such a
way that it becomes an insult.  It may be given with a contemptuous
superiority, like throwing a bone to a dog.

It may be given simply for the pleasure of being thanked and the receiver
well knows that, and if they don't express the most flattering and
heartfelt thanks the giver will be very displeased.

Or the gift may be given as a joy and a pleasure, one that brings more
gladness to those who give rather than those who receive.

In this, as in all things, Jesus is our great example.  Each time Jesus
gave to men and women he gave nothing less than himself.  Every time he
gave them his help, virtue went out of him.  And yet we never find a case
where Jesus gave ungraciously and unwillingly.

There are people in this world to whom we would hesitate to go if we needed
anything.  We know that they will either refuse or that they will give in
such a way as to make us wish we had never asked.  But we only have to read
the gospel stories to see how easy it was to approach Jesus, how no one was
ever afraid to ask him for help, how none were met with ungraciousness and
how all went away happier.

All the good is gone from a deed or gift when no happiness is given with
it.  The gift may be important but the extra, the bonus, the spirit in
which it is given, is more important still.

Have a good week.   Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Matthew 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:7 and 9:6-8

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Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15)
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