Some people with the love language of gifts choose to give money, while others prefer to stay attuned to the immediate needs of those around them. Jesus suggested that even a cup of cold water given to a thirsty person is an expression of love to God that will not go unnoticed by the Father. This shows us that no gift is too small in God's eyes, and the currency of our gifts need not be money.
Loving God is often expressed by meeting the physical needs of other people: food, drink, clothing, and shelter. Nothing delights some givers more than to be the channel of meeting the physical needs of others. When the local food pantry makes its annual plea for food for the needy, those people are among the first to respond. When a local radio station calls for contributions to help those who live in flooded areas, they are the first to offer clothing and other practical items. When natural disasters or humanitarian crises strike abroad, these givers feel stirred to meet urgent physical needs. In fact, these givers seem to be the very "salty," peace-loving characters Jesus praises (Mark 9:50). “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
Take time to pray asking God...
- To open your eyes to the very real, physical needs of those around you;
- To grow you in the grace of giving.
Discuss and reflect:
What kinds of giving opportunities appeal to you? What needs stir your compassion?
Why do you think a cup of cold water seems small in our eyes yet is significant in God's eyes?
Jesus commands, "You must have the qualities off salt among yourselves and live in the peace with each other." (Mark 950). To what extent does that describe you?
Consider these passages for further study on Giving:
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.
2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Mark 9:38-50
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
Causing to Stumble
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. [44] [a] 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [46] [b] 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where
“‘the worms that eat them do not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’[c]
49 Everyone will be salted with fire.
50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
I am not the best gift giver in the world, yet this lesson does help you think about ways to be more open and listen to each others needs and be ready to give where they need it the most with your talents.
We all have the gift of giving and should bless others as we are able.
Another devotional thought by Gary Chapman. The smallest gift I feel like I have given is a smile, yet too many, I have given that too is one of the biggest gifts to them they have received in a while. What are you giving today?