“One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.”
Proverbs 11:24-25 HCSB
“If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him? Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.”
1 John 3:17-18 HCSB
We all have a surplus of things to share. For some, it’s extra food or flowers from the garden. For others, it’s clothing and home goods that we no longer need. Material items on earth will always be transient. Even if we declutter, there will still be more that we could let go.
Food spoils. Clothing sizes and tastes change. We receive gifts or purchase new items and still have our old ones. Why not find a younger person just starting out who could use what you have, or share a special treat with a neighbor who has difficulty getting around?
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (HCSB), Paul says to “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.” We may not feel rich, but we all have something, no matter how small, that we can give.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for giving us all that we need with a bounty to share! Please help us to seek out those around us who can benefit from our surplus, and allow us to hold our earthly possessions with open hands. You are the Owner of all. Help us to give as lovingly as You have given to us. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: Look around your home today. Where do you have extra to give? Find those in your community who could benefit from what you have. Create a list of items and people or community groups who will be blessed by what you have to offer.
Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash
Porch Chair Prayers 