Hi
I’m trusting that your feeling God’s presence with us today. We’ve been blessed in so many ways. Have we stopped to count our blessings? And if so, what do we do after? Today’s Holy Nougat invites an intentionality abbot giving which really ought to be an epidemic.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ” Luke 6:37-38 NLT
Giving is not only about assets; it is also connected to our values and attitudes when it matters the most. One way I which to think abbot giving outside the material is to consider our own need were we in a similar position. (We give as we’d desire someone else to give to us).
But there’s another compelling, almost selfish reason to give, as described in the nougat above. When we consider the returns on our investment: packed to overflowing in like manner; we may find that it is better to make wise and positive investments in the lives of others. Dorothy Law Nolte U.N. versions this concept; especially I relation to children. When her theory is adapted for our application we note;
When we give … criticism,
– We should expect condemnation.
When we give … hostility,
– We should expect a fight.
When we give … ridicule
– We should expect others to be shy around us.
When we give … shame,
– We should expect accusations.
When we give … encouragement,
– We should expect to be confident and to receive confidences.
When we give … tolerance,
– We should expect others to be patient with us.
When we give … praise,
– We should expect to appreciate others more.
When we give … acceptance,
– We should expect love.
When we give … approval,
– We should expect others to like themselves more.
When we gift others … with honesty,
– We should expect others to be truthful.
When we gift others … with security,
– We should expect others to find faith in themselves and others.
When we gift the world … with friendliness,
– We should expect others to discover that the world is a nice place in which to live.
(Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte, adapted)
What gifts have we been giving to others recently?
Any returns on our investment in unexpected places/ways?
How might we please God with our giving?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
