“28Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” – Ephesians 4:28 (ESV)
How good does it feel to give? I find it so satisfying to pass something on to others and see the authentic gratitude on their faces, when there was not expectation that they were going to receive.
And where does that passed on come from? My own pockets and honest gains. In my job, I receive gift cards for the work that I do that goes above and beyond the role of my job. They are not large is monetary value and for me are just extra that I was not expecting to receive. That said; I have on a number of occasions given those gift cards away to others that have demonstrated a need by simply stating the need or in the way their demeanor is at the time. The joy and gratitude they exhibit is so rewarding for me and gives me the drive to do it again.
As I think of the joy I feel and why, I cannot help but think that those that are giving away something that is not theirs (the thief) feels basically nothing and the gift is more of a financial transaction that really means nothing to them in the grand scheme of things. There is nothing to feel as that which they “gift” was not theirs to give anyway.
Yes, there is positive impact to those that I have given to, but the real benefit is to me. I take something of mine, transfer to someone else, and my heart is filled with the joy and honor of providing for someone else. Not out of obligation, but out of love, care, and service for others in the interest of being the example of Christ.
I am excited for the opportunity to share what I have earned, not for any accolades or recognition from the outside world, but out of service to others and providing for their needs. My family has been blessed with enough for us to make it and whereas we have received from others more fortunate as they gave to us out of service, we are now in that position and will share all that we receive with others as we pay it forward out of service. I will continue gaining and in that will also continue giving.
What are your thoughts about those that give from ill gotten gains? How do you feel when giving to those in need? What is the change in your feelings when you are giving from your honest gains?
Trevor's Thoughts 