Deuteronomy 16:17 (NIV)
Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way
the Lord your God has blessed you.
Dr. Mar Aprem of the ancient Chaldean Orthodox Church of
the East in India, sometimes tells a funny story about when a member of the
church won a lottery worth 100,000 rupees. His wife went to the bishop and told
him that she was afraid to tell this glad news to her husband because he had a
heart problem and any sudden excitement could cause a heart attack.
The bishop offered to break the news gently to her
husband. He visited the house and asked the man, "Wouldn't it be a good
thing if you won 1,000 rupees in the lottery?" The man replied that he
still would have to work to support his family.
"What about 10,000 rupees?" the bishop asked.
The man still showed no excitement, so the bishop carefully raised the amount
to 50,000 and finally to 100,000 rupees.
"If I got 100,000 rupees, I would give half of it to
you, your Excellency," the man replied.
The bishop had a heart attack, and the man called an
ambulance.
We can get excited about winning and getting. But have
you learned how fun it is to give? Engineering and machinery genius R. G.
LeTourneau discovered the joy of generosity. Besides establishing a private
school, he reportedly gave 90 percent of his income to worthwhile causes, while
living on the remaining ten percent. He became hooked on the fun of giving!
Of course, money is not the only commodity that is fun to
give. Give some time, give your expertise, give a smile or give your love. You
can never run out of something worthwhile to give. Giving is fun. And there is
no stopping those who discover it!
Dear Lord, Thank You for all that You have given to us.
Help us have the heart to give unto others so that we may be a blessing to them
and show Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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