GIVING.

My own meanness taught me a lesson. A country friend who helps many young people with their problems and difficulties, visited us. I decided to give this man books, which we had recently received, and were ideal for young people. I counted out 10, returning 6 and bringing out only 4. Thinking how generous I was, I gave them to our friend. He was so grateful. Returning to his car, he took a case of 60 large oranges. He carried them back to us, handing them to my husband. It humbled, rebuked and challenged me. I was restrained in giving, while he gave generously. I learned you cannot outgive God.

I learned in life that giving was a joy. While the amount was unimportant, willingness was essential. When Moses prepared the tabernacle, he invited the people to willingly bring their gifts. Only those with willing hearts were permitted to bring gifts. The overwhelming response to Moses’ invitation showed the primary importance of the Lord’s work. Not only was sufficient given to establish the tabernacle, but the people had to be restrained from giving too much. Each article in the Tabernacle was a picture type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the colours: gold spoke of His glory; purple of His kingly nature; blue of His heavenly beauty; while scarlet spoke of the Lord’s redemptive work.

I well remember a 10 year-old- Australian girl’s gift sent to us in Indonesia. She posted $1, having received the Lord Jesus into her young heart early in life. I knew the gift was a sacrifice. ’Will you use this to tell someone about the Lord Jesus?, she asked in her letter. I specially bought 3 New Testaments with that money, noting carefully to whom they were given. One was for 12 year old Supandi, son of the dear Indonesian lady who helped me in the home. Neither she nor her husband were able to read. Supandi read for three hours each night to his parents. They loved the bible stories, and the wonderful love of the Saviour. Supandi’s life bore fruit: faith, trust, witness, and a determination to walk with the Lord.

Another New Testament went to 13 year-old Selamet who lived opposite us. He read the scriptures non-stop, after sharing his copy with three brothers. Selamet’s faith was now firmly fixed in Jesus Christ, although he later endured opposition from school-friends, which strengthened his faith. Today Selamet is a true man of God, bearing fruit for his Saviour in Borneo. The third New Testament went to Trisme, who left our village to stay with her aunty in another township 50 miles away. When she visited us, she told how everyone in the village had read the book. Now, all this came from a 10 year-old girl’s $1 gift with sacrificial love and willing heart.

I have often heard people say, ‘I cannot give much, for I have little to give.’ ‘Little is much when God is in it.’ Man tends to look on the amount, whereas the Lord sees behind the gift to the intention and motive of a loving heart. His work is to multiply it, exactly as He multiplied the loaves and fishes given willingly by a small boy.

I was privileged to advise a widow with a legacy from a near relative. ’I want to be sure my investment pleases the Lord,’ she told me. Feeling responsibility for this godly widow, I recounted some of the above experiences. She gave the Lord a generous share pf money, which justifiably could have met her necessities. Her joyful giving moved me. She told me, ‘During years of widowhood, the Lord has always provided my needs, hence I want to share His love with others.’

Giving involves more than money; time, possessions, ourselves: our sympathy, love, interest, and prayers. We must always be prepared for the Lord’s interruptions. Daily, I say, ’Lord, this is YOUR day. I must do certain things; cooking, ironing, washing and cleaning; but it is over to You, Lord, while YOU plan it all for me.’ The Lord owns our time, hence interruptions are really HIS appointments.

The Israelites also brought the first of their harvest with various other offerings to the Lord. Should a Christian do less? Generous friends with excellent gardens often give fruit, vegetables and eggs. We have set aside the Lord’s portion to share with others. Excitingly, one’s need is met, while another’s predicament is alleviated.

It may work in reverse. On Christmas Saturday, after attending two weddings and a 21 st birthday celebration, I had not adequately prepared for Sunday meals. ’I would enjoy bread and cheese,’ I thought. However, a knock on the door interrupted my reading. The father of the 21 year-old girl stood at the door, holding two boxes, with enough food for the evening meal. The Lord is gracious in HIS giving; and he delights to show His love and mercy when we are weary. We worship HIM for His tender ways saying, ’Lord, how great YOU are. How great You are.’

Giving and receiving are graces , always reminding us of the One, Who loved us and gave Himself for us without measure. This same One says, ’To as many as received Him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on His name.’