Devotion: Giving
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
A broken record is playing in my brain. The loop is a sentence that Arianna Huffington wrote in her book, Thrive, “And to keep our inner world strong it’s essential that we reach out to our outer world through compassion and giving.”
As I wrestled with this loop, I realized it was not the first time I’ve heard it. My neighbor said it to me a few months ago, (although not in those words). We were standing at the fence line, honoring each other by complaining that we are all in the same boat and that our kids are not in fact perfect. She blurted out, “I don’t care how hard they think they have it, when they are whining over their bad day I make them go do something for someone else and get over it!”
Do something. Give of yourself. It doesn’t just have to happen in the crisis moments of a natural disaster or a national cause when everyone feels called to give. It needs to happen in the ordinary moments of today. I need to comfort my friend even when I’m an emotional mess because that’s what she needs. I should feel compelled to donate money even though I’m counting every last penny to put towards medical bills because that’s what God wants me to do. God will bless those efforts!
God wants us to give of our time, talents and treasures. After all, “Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father in Heaven”, (James 1:17).
Walking in faith and using His gifts for the outer world will strengthen our inner world and mold us into who God created us to be. Sometimes we just need a reminder to “go do something for someone else and get over it!”
Amen.
This devotion is written by Julie Anderson.
If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.
Want these devotions delivered straight to your email inbox? Subscribe to our mailing list.