January 7 - Giving Wisely.

Proverbs 19:4-7
“Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.”
 
Prosperity tends to attract, while poverty often divides.
Proverbs 14:20
“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”
 
Gifts given in love are not always received in the same manner. While it is more blessed to give than receive, our flesh sometimes desires to receive much more than we are willing to give.
 
Those who are limited in the amount of gifts they can give sometimes allow jealousy to interfere with their expression of love; often realizing that so much more can be given outside of material things.
 
There are many ways to show our love without spending a dime.
Our time is the most valuable commodity we possess; and with 24 hours in each day, we each have the same amount available to give. Time spent with those we love is never wasted.
 
Our presence often speaks louder than any object we can buy. Sometimes a friend just needs us to sit beside them with a cup of coffee.
 
Our service to others is also one of the best gifts we can give that money cannot buy. We can share the love of Christ through serving those who need help or just a reminder that someone cares for them.
 
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
 
Rather than focusing on things, choose to show your love and compassion for others through the giving of your time and presence while serving those around you.
 
Hebrews 13:16
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
 
We have the opportunity to give so much more of ourselves.
Give the gifts that money cannot buy.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Genesis 13-14  |  John 7  |  Proverbs 7