With Christmas right around the corner, Take Heart ambassador and guest blogger Mariam Shafik shares a reflection on giving.
It is important to understand that every individual always has something to give; whether it be time, knowledge, money, kindness, or love. But in the same vein, every individual can have an equal amount of selfishness, arrogance, negativity, and anger to give. Every day we make a choice as to what we give others; and what we give to the world is exactly what is returned to us.
The Bible highlights the importance of giving too! In 2 Corinthians 9 Paul writes, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
We are called to not just give, but to give cheerfully!
When it comes to giving to others, it is important to give not out of sympathy and charity, but out of empathy, justice, and cheer. If you feel convicted to give to persecuted Christians, don’t give because you feel bad; give because as a member of the body of Christ, you feel their pain and you are a source of joy for them. Give because across the ocean is someone who is exactly like you, and you are taking an opportunity to provide some light in the darkness.
Let your giving this season become an expression of your relationship with the body of Christ around the globe. Let it become an investment in the life of an orphan, a widow, or a broken family. And in return, let the blessings in your life flow abundantly.
Visit takeheartcanada.com/christmascatalog to learn about opportunities to stand with persecuted Christians this season.