“If someone who has worldly means see a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” (I John 3: 17 – 18)
This has certainly been the season of giving with Christmas presents to family and friends as well as gifts for those in need. It seems the opportunities to give increase each year as we enter the Thanksgiving and then Christmas seasons. There are year-end appeals and worthy projects coming from every direction, and if you are like me, you really struggle with giving to as many things as possible while still trying to keep family finances in order. John speaks to us in the scripture saying that when we see another in need and don’t give, we cannot have the love of God within us. John goes on to imply that we should put our money where our mouth is: “Love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” We can prove our love by giving of ourselves and of some of our livelihood. This love benefits the giver and receiver.
But what if we feel we just can’t give more of our finances or even anymore of ourselves to such worthwhile projects or to those in need, and our conscience bothers us. I have learned that God knows us all too well and knows our motives and actions. God reassures us in love for us. Listen for the voice of God guiding our giving hearts. I believe if God wants us to give more, God will provide more for us to give. But we must see God’s will and obey. That takes prayer and a listening ear.