Have you ever felt incapable of giving because of limited finances? Should we feel restricted in our ability to give just because we feel empty-handed? Especially during this Christmas season, many of us worry about how we can give, and thus we find ourselves burdened with the pressures of buying gifts for everyone. However, with the right perspective, it is far better to give cheerfully rather than out of obligation. Lately, I have been pondering how I can afford to give presents when we are on a very tight budget. It certainly is much easier to give with a thick wallet. This is one reason why I am now asking the Lord to bless me financially. God reminded me of someone who demonstrated remarkable generosity even in poverty.
I met this brother a few years ago. He was struggling and jobless at that time. There were times he would come asking us if he could borrow a few pesos or even a few kilos of rice, promising that he would settle up as soon as possible. I don't mind if he can't pay it back; he does his best to return what he owes us. I saw his dedication and love for the Lord. He has a heart to serve in the ministry and help in any way he can. He attended church programs and services faithfully. He works hard to find a job to sustain their needs. Sometimes, he would drop by with fruits and crops for the church. I learned that he had taken up gardening, and those were some of the harvests from his farm. Through prayer and God's favor, he was accepted into a job. Typically, it is hard for someone his age to find employment, but I know it was God's answer to his prayer.
I had never understood him at first, nor had I known him deeply until I saw how God had blessed him. Perhaps it's because I'm used to people who suddenly disappear from my sight after being blessed. I hadn't noticed or recognized the little things he had been doing. After a month of employment, he received his first salary. What happened then? He gave his tithes to the church and approached me, expressing his desire to help financially. I welcomed him and thanked him so much. Since then, he has been faithful in giving, and I learned that he had helped a lot of people even before.
I talked to my partner for life and told him how sorry I am for judging this brother (without him knowing) regarding his capabilities and even questioning his character. At first, I was afraid that he would only use us like those people before who left us after being relieved of their own cares. I didn't see that his heart was pure and that he had given his very best. He had given everything since the first time because he loved the Lord so much. His dedication to attending church gatherings and fellowships shows that his time was the only thing he had at that moment. Those crops were his treasures and the only food he had, but he didn't forget to give thanks to the Lord and bring a portion of them to the church. Now I see how God has truly blessed him because he wants to be a blessing to more people through giving. His generosity is even more magnified now that he's no longer empty-handed. I believe that God will continually bless him because of his heart.
I am always reminded of this brother's testimony whenever I feel I have nothing to give, just like the poor widow's offering in Luke 21:1-4. I have learned not to focus on how big or small gifts are. What I need is a thankful heart to appreciate things, no matter how little they are. It's amazing that God sees our hearts and measures our capacity to give according to our circumstances. Jesus demonstrated this attitude by looking at our hearts and motives. Our physical appearance does not meet His standards for acceptance. Everyone has something to share, whether rich or poor; the only question is, do you have a giving heart? Being poor is not a reason or excuse not to share. A giving heart always sees the opportunity to give its best, and it brings full joy to bless the people around them.
This Christmas season let's give not just out of obligation or we are giving because we expect more extraordinary things in return. Let us give cheerfully knowing that we have received daily blessings from the Lord. Our own way of thanking and praising the Lord for his provision and extending these blessings to others in need. Giving is not limited to wrapping material gifts for a person. Remember, we can't give what we don't have; stop pushing yourself to give more than your capability to avoid being burdened. Now, look carefully and examine what is in your hands. That's the start of joy in giving. Out of this joyful heart you'll be able to give the best Christmas gift ever!
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