Each week we present a devotional that was written by one of our partners at One Community Church. This week’s inspirational words were written by Warren Anderson and titled, “Show Love Through Giving.”The Word
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11 (NASB)
The Story
I’ve always considered myself a loving individual and generous with my time, finances and other resources. However, I realized I was far less loving and generous than I thought after reflecting on recent sermons and a book I’ve read. Both the sermons and the book made me think about the condition of my heart and my deep feelings about what I give and to whom I give. I’ve learned two key points. First, I learned that I was not acknowledging that God is the owner and wholly responsible for anything I thought I had to give. Second, I learned that I carried a general indifference to people in need and was giving on a superficial level. My contributions were on a minimal basis, and driven out of my own definition of giving as an obligation, and not an aspiration for a heart like God.
The Reflection
Are we openly sharing the abundance that God has made us stewards over? Are we giving of our time and resources to others in a way that reflects God’s love?
The Application
This week, let us pray to God daily and ask Him to transform our hearts so that we would be more willing to offer our gifts and time to those around us. Let us be aware of the love that God shows us daily, and offer that love to all people we encounter.
The Prayer
Heavenly Father, change our hearts and transform them to be more like Yours. Bless us with a spirit of selfless giving of our time and resources. Our prayer is that we too can show to others the love and generosity that You so graciously show us. Amen.
