Give people your time, words, and full attention – in doing all of that, it shows generosity. These are just a few ways you can be like Jesus and bless others this Thanksgiving week.
I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and it is more blessed to give than receive.
Think of the many times you’ve dug deep into your pocket to [oh, I don’t know] help a precious friend who was going through a hard time – now, sure, your friend was blessed, but didn’t you just feel God’s favor overflow your heart? It is more blessed to give than to receive. And it’s why [in my office at Joni and Friends] I always keep something on hand because I know that there’ll be a missionary family on furlough who will stop by for a tour. They’ll come by my office to see my art studio, and they’ll tell me about their work in a needy part of the world and I know that this family visiting from the mission field; I know they don’t have many resources, and so, whoever they are and no matter where in the world they’re coming from, I love to treat them to a dinner. A surprised look will cross their face and when they walk away, they have enough funds for a really great meal at The Cheesecake Factory. And, oh, it is such a blessing. Yes, for them [their smile tells me so], but as they walk away, it’s a bigger blessing for me.
Now, I do not share this story to toot my own horn. No, as Christians, generosity should be the way we live. It was the Apostle Paul who quoted our Savior when he said in Acts 20, “… we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself [when he] said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And so, on this Thanksgiving week, let me recount a few ways you can live generously. I first heard these suggestions from my friend Brad Formsma [who is all about generosity], and this is what he says.
When it comes to your words, speak kindly to others [it shows you have a generous spirit]. Or when it comes to your time, give minutes and hours and moments in your day. If a neighbor drops by unexpectedly, don’t consider it an interruption; think of it as a divine appointment; perhaps God wants you to encourage this neighbor. When it comes to your attention span, be fully present and fully focused when you’re with someone else. Give people your time, your words, and your full attention – in doing all of that, it conveys generosity. Use your connections with people to help someone else in need. And share things that you have or that you own. When you do that, it tells that individual that you trust them with your valuables.
Friend, it’s Thanksgiving week, and these are just a few ways you can bless others and cultivate a giving spirit. Reflect the Lord from whom all blessings flow. ‘Cause Ben Carson said, “Happiness doesn’t result from what you get, but from what you give.” So, put yourself in the best position to be happy – think of someone in need this week and bless them, either with your treasure or your time or how about a seat at your Thanksgiving dinner table. It’s that kind of week. So, all of us at Joni and Friends; especially our team that blesses people in need with Bibles and wheelchairs; and our staff who run our Family Retreats and getaways, giving their time and Gospel hope to families who struggle with disability; and from our team at joniradio.org, Happy Thanksgiving as you “remember the words the Lord Jesus himself who said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Put that in practice this week. It’s more blessed to give than to receive and that’s your best position to be happy this Thanksgiving week. You know friend, thanks so much for letting me share my heart with you today and feel free to share this program with your friends and visit jonradio.org.
© Joni and Friends