Matthew 25: 34-36
Then the King will say to those on his
right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I
was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'
Advent is the time of year when we often hear the phrase “It
is better to give than to receive.” When
my children were much younger they were very diligent in assembling their
Christmas Wish List. I think they wanted to help me with the giving part.
In addition to being the time of year when our kids and
spouses help us with determining what gifts to give to them at Christmas,
Advent is the time of year to remember others in true need. We are frequently reminded by the bell
ringers at the Salvation Army red kettles in front of stores of the need to
give. We are reminded in a barrage of
commercials to help children in need. We frequently receive solicitations in
the mail to share our riches with those who are in need all over the
world. And at Grace Lutheran, along the
back wall of the sanctuary, are pictures of children our congregation we
support through Compassion International. In addition to the food and clothing
given, there is a Christian education element involved too. So the daily bread
of food and scripture is given to each child in need. Compassion International
is a wonderful organization that I encourage all to participate in, in what ever
capacity. But first, examine in your heart why you are giving. Give yourself a gut check, sanity check, or
whatever. Ponder the words of Ephesians
2:8-9 For grace you have been saved
through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a
result of works, so that no one may boast.
We should not be trying to earn grace. That marvelous gift has already
been given. And Matthew 25:34-36 is
a very good reminder that we who have much need to also give much because there
is so much need out there. We who are not in need should reach out to those in
need because it is the right thing to do. We do these things out of love for our fellow
man. It is all part of sharing the love of Christ that was so generously poured
out upon us on the cross. We who are set free, are now free to give out of a
sense of love and not out of obligation. So, take the time, pray about your
giving, and reach out generously to those who are in need. And if you are
wondering what we are doing at Grace Lutheran that you can contribute to, we
have Hands for Uganda, Angel Tree, Christmas Food Boxes for the needy to name
just three. Remember the words of Matthew
6:3 But when you give to the needy,
do not let your left hand know that your right hand is doing…
PRAYER: Lord of
all creation, we who are blessed richly ask for Your eyes in giving. Help us to
see what is needed. We need Your hands in our giving. Help us to reach out
where You want us to give help. And Father, we need Your words when we speak.
Give us Your words so that Your love flows from our lips to all who need to
hear of Your love for all mankind. Praise be to the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. One God, now and forever, Amen.
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