Giving Big or Small Has A Positive Impact

This time of year brings out generosity in people. You will often see folks dropping money in kettles, giving to charities, and giving gifts to children in need. Giving shouldn't be motivated by a season or a reason. It should be motivated by love. I Cor. 9:9-15

Recently I was in line at the grocery store and there was an elderly man next in line who looked like he could use a blessing. He only had a can of soup in his hand to purchase. The Lord led me to tell the casheirs to put that soup on my bill. You should have seen the expressions on the cashiers faces! You would have thought I was buying the man $100.00 worth of groceries! They were taken by surprise at my generosity and thoughtfulness. I guess they have not seen many charitable acts at the checkout line. Before I could get out of the store, the cahiers gave the man the soup and told him I had paid for it. He was very thankful. Holding back my tears, I simply said, "God bless you" and then I left the store.

I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling it was to give spontaneously! My husband and I are generous people and budget in giving to those in need. Currently, I am partnering with another ministry to furnish 72 blankets to the homeless in my community. A much larger donation than the can of soup! But I must tell you the feeling and reward of giving that one can of soup is equal too or greater than giving all those blankets to the homeless.

Why? Because giving whether big or small has a positive influence when you are giving in love. This brings glory to God and shares the love of Christ with your fellow man.

What a blessing the elderly man, the two cashiers and myself would have missed, if I thought one can of soup could not possibly make a difference in someone's life!

The next time you feel your gift is too small and you hesitate to share, remember it is not the size of the gift but the love in giving that pleases God.