The Gift of Giving~ Heather Young

“And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35b

People in the United States are very privileged. Many of us have homes with numerous luxuries: clean, running water to drink; uncontaminated food in a refrigerator to eat, and; a warm be to sleep in, just to name a few. Since we middle-class Americans are so blessed, we often look down upon or even ignore the less fortunate. Especially during the holiday season, we need to remember to give not only Christmas presents, but also the things that have eternal meaning.

”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21

Lasting treasures are the unseen things that we share with others, such as love and compassion. John Calvin once said, “Faith alone saves, but faith that saves is never alone.” This quote means that we are not saved by our actions, but if we are saved (by faith), our actions will show it. Generosity may be one of the character qualities of a believer.

“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”

Proverbs 22:9

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:38

See? giving doesn’t just reward the person receiving, but also the giver! While there will be a reward in heaven for giving here, do not be expecting a reward on earth. We shouldn’t walk around like a peacock showing off all its feathers (generous works), but instead, as Jesus explained during his Sermon on the Mount:

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:3-4

Giving to the needy is important, but we also need to remember to give to God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Romans 12:1

Everyone is different. Everyone has different income levels and limits on how much money they can spend on gifts. But everyone is someone who can do something to affect someone else.

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

1 John 3:17-18

Even something as simple as sending a Christmas card to a someone you don’t usually get along with could make a huge difference in their life. I challenge you (and myself) to find a person, whether a family member or schoolmate, who you never really talk to, and give them a Christmas card. A homemade one would be super duper special. If you try the challenge, please leave a comment! I would love to know how you made somebody’s day!

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Did you know that Heather loves clouds?!
Did you know that Abby loves Pintrest?!
Did you know that Haylie is constantly being teased by everyone?!

Photographs property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photographs taken by Abby Whear and Haylie Gregory.

The Joy of Giving: A Humble Spirit is Pleasing to God and Others~ Hogan Stevens

Thanksgiving is a day where we all gather together and celebrate everything that God has given us. It's usually a day filled with family, food, and fun...and if you're anything like my family, there's lots of food. Turkey--of course--, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet rolls, macaroni, meatloaf, ham, deviled eggs, corn, okra...The list goes on and on, and I've not even listed dessert!

While enjoying the delicious foods prepared and brought by everyone, we sit in the living area talking and laughing with the whole family. It's great fun, and usually everyone stays til late at night, leaving only when the littlest little ones are drowsing on the floor and in laps.

That's pretty much it, right? That's all there is to Thanksgiving: family and food, and most especially enjoying yourself.

Well, not exactly.

Thanksgiving. It's a compoud word. 'Thanks' means to show gratitude. 'Giving' or 'give' means to grant or bestow to another. So what better way to show your gratitude to God for all He has done than to bestow this thankful spirit onto someone else? If you are happy to be alive and blessed, then why not spread that joy to another and make them just as glad? God rejoices in those who are humble and kind; it pleases Him to see His children loving one another.

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 18:14b)

Being humble--showing kindness and no prejudice, love and compassion to everyone--is something that can change everything. By being humble, we as Christians exude all that is good about being a follower of Christ. Sometimes it may be hard to show love to someone. You know what I mean. Every girl has that one person that gets under her skin, even if it's for seemingly no reason, but it's up to us to put aside those petty feelings and decide to be the kind, generous person that God made you to be.

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. (Psalm 18:27, referring to the Lord.)

This Thanksgiving, I think we should all try to take this to heart. It can be something simple, like smiling at a lady you pass on the street or helping an elderly man pick up something he dropped. Those are great gestures and they might very well make that person's day, but you can be even more kind and giving by doing so much more. Help a neighbor rake leaves or help your younger brother with his homework. Do the laundry for your mother, wash your dad's truck when he's too busy, give a kind and encouraging word to a sad woman you meet at the market. You get the idea, I'm sure.

Be kind.

Be loving.

 Most importantly, give. Give some of that wonderful, inspiring Jesus-spirit to everyone you meet. Not just during the Thanksgiving holiday, but every day. Be that girl that everyone else admires, the girl that, just by looking at her, everyone can tell has something special about her. Be that girl that, just by the way she acts and carries herself, has the love of Jesus shining through her.

Galatians 5:25 says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." By saying this, Paul meant that since we now have the spirit of Jesus (the Holy Ghost) inside of us, we should act like it. We should be like Jesus.

Do you know the fruits of the Spirit? Coconuts, right? No! The fruits--or actions--are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And to have such fruits, one must have a humble and giving mindset.

What about you? Are you patient and kind to everyone you meet and in everything you do? If not, that's okay! You still have time to learn. Just open your heart and mind to Jesus, and He will lovingly guide you.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you remember that it's not all about the food and the fun; it's much more than that. It's about showing and giving the love of God to others.

Did you know that Hogan speaks Italian?!

Did you know that Jess and her sister, Beth, made all of the headers for the articles AND our main header?!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Jess Mc.