Recently, one of my children forgot to bring his “Bible Bucks” to church. This currency has no actual monetary value but can be used to redeem trinkets and prizes at the monthly “store” that our children’s ministry hosts. As I dropped off my child at the door of his classroom, we realized that while it was the day that the store was being held, his Bible Bucks were safe and secure at home. Quietly we discussed how he would have to forgo making any purchases this month, and that the situation was a good reminder that we needed to make sure we planned for the day and were prepared when we left our house. Suddenly, a little girl in his class raced to the door and joyfully told me that she would happily give some of her money to him. Even when I demurred, she was quick to say that it wasn’t a big deal. My heart grew two sizes as she not only was willing to share but seemed perfectly delighted to do so. I knew that if she gave away the significant amount that she offered, it would compromise her ability to buy what she wanted, but that didn’t seem to faze her in the least. Instead, she appeared to just be happy that she had some to share and that she could bless her friend through doing so.
This five-minute interaction reminded me of the approach that all sons and daughters of Jesus should have when it comes to sharing with one another. Not only should we be willing to sacrifice for another’s benefit, but we should be thrilled at the opportunity to do so. And we don’t need to wait to be asked to sacrifice; just as this little girl did, we can jump in to meet a need as soon as we are made aware of it. We can, as I often tell my kids, “Be generous to others because God has been generous to us.” And when we appreciate just how much we have been given, we should be eager and joyful to share it with those around us, especially the family of God.
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? – I John 3:17 (ESV)
