Give from what you have

The people asked him, ‘What are we to do, then?’
He answered, ‘Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it.’
Some tax collectors came to be baptised, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what are we to do?’
‘Don’t collect more than is legal,’ he told them. (verses 10-13)

Read Luke 3:1-14

Some years ago we were close friends with a couple who lived near us in Papua New Guinea. The man was an accountant and his wife was a secretary. Prayerfully they had made the decision that one income was enough for them to live on and that the other salary would be set aside to help missionaries in need. It was their way of sharing Christ.

God gives in order that we may give. He does not give for you to become richer and richer, perhaps even at the expense of others, but he gives so that you can join him in giving to others. That’s why he has been so generous to you.

Have you ever thought of it like that? You now have what it takes to become Christ to others who are in need, because he has equipped you for it. Always remember this: it’s he who makes it possible for you to become just like him in your giving.

Lord, make me more generous in my giving to others, especially to those in need, and remind me that I am only passing on what you first gave me. Make me more like you. Amen.

by Len Tscharke, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2006)

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