Sunday, December 25, 2016

The Power of Giving

As with many around the world, I welcomed yet another Christmas day.  I had a wonderful dinner with my wife and in-laws last night in addition to opening a few presents.  Today, I attended a special Christmas service at my church, then later tonight, more food and presents are awaiting with more family.

Many people have complained about the commercialism of Christmas.  As you are aware, many holiday functions in society have no emphasis whatsoever on the Christ child who was born to redeem the world.  Yet, as I heard a preacher say years ago, there is nothing wrong with society that is obsessed on giving, even for just a season.  As a matter of fact, Forbes Magazine reports that Americans will spend approximately one trillion dollars on holiday shopping this year.  Not too shabby.

The Bible even extols the virtues and rewards of giving.  Luke 6:38 states, "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

In other words, as you give, whether it is in monetary form or in deed, that giving will return to you somehow.  If you assist others who are hurting, then others will also reach out to you in times of distress.  In addition, the return you receive may be exponentially greater than what you give, e.g. "pressed down, shaken together and running over." 

So, if you have the time, money and talents, then give as much as you can.  You'll be amazed at how much of your giving returns back to you in unlimited blessing when you may be in anguish.