Giving: Yours & Mine

(Jesus said to the Father) "All I have is yours, and all you have is mine." John 17:10

A giving heart...why is it so hard to give sometimes? Our loving Father so lavishly gives us all of His gifts....the beauty of nature, the wonder of a loving family, food and shelter, a body that is a miraculous work of art, just to name a few. He created them all. Though I am called to give just as lavishly, I tend to want to hang on to things, to cling to them. I could use that money for the kids...I really don't have enough time to do that...I'm not really qualified to help...how many times have I thought variations on these thoughts? Or should I say excuses?

Jesus' prayer to his Father in John 17 is so beautiful; he prays for us, and would have us live out these words of his as we follow him. He relies daily on the Father for all he needs, and in return, the Father gives him more than he could ever dream of. Our Father longs to do the same for us. But instead of holding on to our blessings, we are to use them up...knowing that God will provide even more than we can imagine in return. When we offer our whole hearts, minds, bodies and lives to God, all of his abundant gifts are available to us...strength, courage, grace, love, peace, joy and so much more. Gifts without price, not available in any shopping mall or online store. We have only to give what we already have, and trust in Him.

Jesus, I pray that you will help me to give cheerfully and generously, of all the gifts I have received from you, particularly money, time and talent. Let me always trust in you, that you will provide for my every need, out of the abundance of your gifts.

Life Steps: What is Jesus asking you to give more of? Spend some time in prayer to discern this, and then be a generous giver. Also, pay attention to how God is providing for you: were you able to accomplish more in less time, and with peace? did you have a financial need that was met in a surprising way?