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When we give as God desires us to give, we do it with our whole heart, mind, and spirit.  To give of ourselves is to have faith that God will use the gift. To give of ourselves is to be open to God’s leading – to allow Him to use not only our money, but anything we have for His purposes.

I love verse 12 of 2 Corinthians chapter 8.  It says: “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” God desires that we give in relation to what we have received.  This was powerfully illustrated one day, as I stood at a Christmas Kettle.  As I stood, along came a young man – hobbling with two canes.  As he slowly approached he asked – can I give my pennies?  “Yes,” I said “Certainly – all donations are very welcome.” He dropped four pennies in the kettle and slowly walked away.   A short time later an old man came by with a long tattered beard –“I am homeless, will you accept this loonie of mine?” he asked.  ”Certainly, God bless you” was all I could say before he was gone.  Then later a young boy came and dumped forty cents in the kettle.  Then he proudly said “That was my money” as he zipped his little wallet up, and off he went.

Real wealth – is not found in what we have, but in what we give.  A man or woman is rich or poor, not by the amount they have in their account but by the depth of love in their hearts. I received a total of $1.44 from those three people.  In the eyes of the world it didn’t mean much.  But as I ponder this I believe that in God’s eyes, it meant more than a large gift given to secure a tax break.   What was so significant about those three donations?  That $1.44?  They were given out of pure hearts, out of weakness and poverty.  They didn’t have much to give, but out of their poverty they gave what they had. Thank you for your willingness to give back to the Lord this year.