Give With a Loving Heart

Acts 20:35 says “…the Lord Jesus himself said, Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving.” Thus, it is better to give than to receive. To give is to generously share our time, talent, and treasures. Sharing our time, maybe listening to a family member, a friend or a client who has a concern or problem or it could be sharing our time doing charitable works.

To share our talent maybe to lend our voice as a choir member in the church or to share our talents in a worthy cause. While sharing our treasures entails giving financial assistance to a relative, a friend or to an organization that needs it. It could also be sharing material things like clothing and food to a needy stranger. Luke 6:38 says that “give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over. For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back.” With that, when we give we will also be blessed abundantly.

When we give, there is joy within. It is a humbling experience to share a part of ourselves. We also become a blessing to others as we share our resources. Let us give and share what we have cheerfully for 2 Corinthians 9:7 says”…God loves a cheerful giver.”

Chiara Lubich in her book (Knowing How to Lose) was right in saying “we must know how to give to our brothers through an act of charity. This new act of charity rather than emptying the soul enriches it, adding to the richness the soul already has.” By that, let us ask God to teach us to be generous and compassionate to those who are in need. Then, we can claim His promise in Proverbs19:17 that says “He who shows compassion to the poor lends to Yahweh, who will repay his good deeds.”

In this Christmas season may we give with a loving heart and ponder on this saying:

“You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael

(Bing Orbeta-Robles)