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. Jesus surprised people by teaching them that it it is a happier thing to give. Happiness and always go together. But what did Jesus really mean? It is a fact that if you only give in order to be happy you will be more miserable than ever; if you only give in order to receive you must face the disillusionment of all who live selfish lives. But if your giving is the expression of genuine love then the giver and the receiver both benefit – you can ¢t give with receiving.
And giving and receiving does not necessarily involve gifts or money. One of the most precious things we can give in this busy world is time – time to listen, time to comfort, time to teach, time to help and time to understand. I guarantee, and I speak from experience, that to give someone your time is indeed a valuable and appreciated gift, and it will give you pleasure in return. You will have shared something of yourself and what could be more precious than that.
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
This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement, now in its fifth year, originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe email <> with the words ‘subscribe word’ (or)
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Pastor Ron Clarke JP (Mark 16:15)
An e-mail from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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