Give And It Shall Be Given Unto You

This afternoon, the PTO at Alayna's school held a Fall Festival. Admission was $8 and of course, the children could also purchase food and drinks. A flyer that was sent home listed prices of the food, and I sent $3 with her for a snack and drinks.

I noticed that she took an additional $2 of her own money. Although I had given her enough, I said nothing. I feel that she needs to learn the value of money and how to manage it.

When she came home this evening, she told her dad and I that she had so much fun! She and another little girl stuck together and had a great time. When it came time for Alayna to have a snack and drink, she realized that her friend had no money. "Mama," she said, "I didn't want to eat in front of her while she had nothing, so I gave her some of my money."

It is a wonderful feeling to be able to share with someone who has a need. One of my friends at church last night was talking about giving. "Giving," Ms. Violet said, "is our (Christian) ministry."

As I thought about what Alayna had done, I observed that it was straight from her heart. Her intentions were pure, and she had no expectation of a return. She gave freely and unselfishly. I have to say that my heart melted, and I decided to give her money back to her tomorrow morning... because I WANT to!

Now, I can realize that these are the same thoughts that our Father has towards us...thoughts that please Him as we display of the fruit of His Spirit from within us. Because we have free will, everything that we do is a choice. So, what we do with what we have (stewardship, sharing, giving, returning with a thankful heart) and the attitude in which we do it determines our blessings.

Isn't it wonderful to better understand the love of the Father through our experiences with our own children? When the notion came to me to give back to her the money that she had given to her friend, which was $1.50, I thought to give back to her $2. Suddenly, I had a more complete understanding of Luke 6:38..."Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

If my human thoughts were to return to her more than she gave, then how much more so are God's thoughts towards us that He should honor His promises towards those who give selflessly and in honor of His Word?

2 Corinthians 9: 6. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 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. 8. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
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Have a blessed, blessed weekend in Jesus' Name,
Angie