Donna Huber sent this link to the December 13, 2007 edition of “Our Daily Bread” to jumpstart our conversation on serving other people. Write us at the blog about your random acts of kindness!
READ: Luke 6:27-36 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? — Luke 6:33
Would you pay the bill for the people in the car behind you at a fast-food drive-thru—even if you didn’t know them? That was the challenge given by a local Christian radio station to change their community. It was called “The Drive-Thru Difference.” The goal was to do a Christ-like act of kindness for people who didn’t expect it and to leave a note saying you did it because of your love for Christ.
Why do this? Why spend money for someone else’s food—especially someone we don’t know and who may be hostile to the faith? Why give without any hope of return? It sounds countercultural, but the idea has strong biblical basis.
Notice what Jesus said as He addressed a large crowd: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6:32-33). Clearly, Jesus wants us to do good to people who can in no way pay us back.
Whether we’re paying someone’s bill at Taco Bell or dropping change into the Salvation Army kettle, our concern should be selfless giving—whether we get credit for it or not. In Jesus’ name, who can you bless today? The motive of giving reveals the character of the giver more than the gift itself.
Written by Dave Branon. Used by permission. Copyright 2007 RCB Ministries.
2 comments:
I absolutely love this because I have done it.
What I truly believe is most important in this form of giving is our motives. Are they just to give or to give because of the Lord's prompt? I have experienced both forms of giving and the latter has so much more biblical meaning. Besides the blessings are huge!!! Even though we might not ever see them, they are there!
One way I give is in prayer. I love to pray for a total stranger, without them knowing I am praying for them. I know God knows all the details.
Love and Blessings to all...
Thanks Donna,this post brought Matthew 6: 1-4 to mind.
Jesus tells us in verse 1 to "Be careful not to do your acts of righteouness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven".(wow!)
Further in verses 3 and 4 He says "But when you give to the needy, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you".
I have found when I give in secret--and it is just between me and God--it is the best feeling in the world.
Praise God that we don't need validation or acceptance or "credit" for any of our giving when we are motivated by the LOVE of God and the power of His spirit living on the inside of us.
In Christ,
Kristine
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