“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) |
My husband and I stood at the cellphone store, waiting for our turn at the counter. Just then, one of our son’s high school friends walked in the door. I hadn’t seen him in nearly a year, and instinctively, my role as “Mama Karen” to any teenagers in sight kicked in. “Dominguez!” I cheerfully exclaimed as I gave him a quick hug. (This guy preferred to go by merely his last name.) “It is so great to see you! Are ya hungry, honey?” Puzzled, he sheepishly answered, “Umm … Mrs. Ehman, that’s really nice of you. But … we’re in a store.” My husband and I both burst out laughing. For years, any time this young man walked into our kitchen, I’d ask if he was hungry and then fix him something to eat, even if it was last night’s leftovers. Simply seeing him at the cellphone store made me kick back into mama mode, not even realizing we weren’t in my kitchen. Here’s the thing about sharing with others in a hospitable way: We can do it no matter where we are. We can have a welcoming demeanor and open-hearted (and open-handed!) attitude anywhere — at home or while running errands. It just takes a little life perspective that can be found in today’s key verse: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16). See those four little words, tucked tight in the middle of this sentence? Share what you have. We may not feel like we have a lot, especially when we compare our homes and food to what we see on TV or on our favorite lifestyle influencer’s social media page. But this verse gives no instructions about accumulating lovely décor or preparing fancy foods. It simply tells us to share what we have, even if it’s reheated leftovers. Are you single and living in an apartment? Do you have a TV and a kitchen table, albeit the hand-me-down sort? Do you have enough cash to purchase dinner, even if it’s two-for-one subs and some fruit for dessert? Share what you have. Do you work in an office building surrounded by coworkers in cubicles? Do you have the resources to whip up a batch of muffins to take to work on a dreary, rainy day, thereby lifting the spirits of your colleagues? Share what you have. Are you a mom of littles who’d love to escape to the park for a day of sunshine and refreshment? Could you pack some simple sandwiches and cut up veggies to take along, inviting a few other mothers and their children to join you? Share what you have. When we go through life willing to share what God has given us, we see from today’s key verse how it makes Him feel: “… such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” All around us are people in need of encouragement. What can you do to lift their spirits? It may mean speaking a kind word. It could be sharing a modest meal. It could be giving them the gift of a listening ear or a prayer spoken in faith. Whatever you possess — materially or emotionally — determine to be a person who regularly and cheerfully shares what she has. Even small sacrifices — of our time or resources — please the Lord. Let’s reach out this week and willingly bless others with a portion of the provisions Christ has already lavished on us. Father, may I become a person who willingly shares what I have with others, showing them Your love as I do so. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. [more...] |
knocking never about helping people in practical way
