Giving From the Heart

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

God came down from Heaven,
When Mary gave Him birth;
He was named Immanuel,
God with us on earth.

To make a personal connection,
He left Heaven for us;
To bridge the gap between God and man,
What a gift so precious!

What could I possibly give in return
For His mercy, love, and grace?
He sacrificed everything
For the whole human race!

God gave each of us a gift,
A talent to use for Him,
To share Christ's love to others
With a heart full of vim!

Jesus came to serve,
And wants us to do the same;
With our focus on serving others
We give honor to His name.

So, serve others with love and joy,
As together we take part
In being God's hands and feet
While giving from the heart.

The Christmas season is upon us. What a glorious season it is! One of the things I appreciate about this season is that many people are more generous. They give their time, their talents, their money more freely and joyfully during this time of year. It must make God smile to see us all blessing those in need. (Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7)

Giving unites us. Jesus came to earth to show us how to love one another. One of those ways was through service. (For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45) Jesus served others in many different ways: healing, feeding, washing feet, loving the unloved, etc. We bless others when we serve them in various capacities. That looks different for everyone. Serve where your heart is led to serve in the way that God has shaped you. I’m made to serve in the Children’s Ministry, while others are made to serve in the tech ministry. Outside of the church, I’m led to take food to a shelter while others are led to visit the shut-ins. (Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10) Where is God calling you to serve?

Another thing about giving is that it doesn’t have to cost us anything. Just our words and actions can make a difference. For instance, giving someone a smile can make their day! Small gestures go a long way in brightening someone’s day. I remember a time I was picking up a pizza order. As I headed towards the door with my hands full of several boxes, a teenager standing nearby said, “Let me get the door for you.” It was a small gesture, but it was given freely out of the kindness of his heart. It cost him nothing, but his gift of service warmed my heart. (Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4) What random act of kindness will you do today?

Let this season of giving bring on a new meaning for you. Be intentional with how and what you give. Use your hands and feet to show God’s love to others. For when we serve from our heart through our God-given talents, we not only bless those around us, we ourselves are blessed. Have a wonderful Christmas, my friends, as you give the gift of loving service to those around you!

Lord, You came to earth to give, not receive. May we follow Your example throughout this season by using the talents You’ve given us to bless others. Let us be generous in our words and actions as we live out our faith. Amen