Living the "Give" Way | Tomorrow's World

Living the "Give" Way

12th December 2012
Janth B. English
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When I first began attending God's Church in the early 1970s, a woman who seemed old to me at the time "adopted" me and took me under her wing. She was a most remarkable woman. She was married at 17, but when she learned God's truth years later, her husband gave her a choice: their marriage or the Church. At a time when women did not strike out on their own, she and her sons had to live alone because she rightly chose God. She chose to live as a "spiritual widow" rather than remarry, yet she did not pity herself. She was happy and outgoing. Almost every week, you could find her entertaining brethren at her home after services. She often prepared a big Sabbath meal for her guests. It was very difficult to leave her home without her having given you something.

I was young and inexperienced, and it amazed me that this woman, who worked cleaning others' homes, had so much to give. I finally asked her how she was able to do it. Her answer was simple and straightforward. She asked me to hold out my hand—to open and close it. She stated that when your hand is closed, nothing can go out and nothing can come in. When you open your hand wide, things can flow in and out freely. Then she said, "You can't out-give God." From a logical perspective, it made no sense that giving things away would enable you to give more. However, this is a spiritual principle—"Give, and it will be given to you… for with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38).

Most of us have a lot more than we need or use. Do we hold onto things, or do we look for opportunities to give to others? As women, it usually is our responsibility to clean and organize our homes and shop for our family. Our closets probably hold a treasure of blessings for someone else. Our attics, garages and other storage spaces contain household items that young people just starting out—or older people who have suffered loss—can use. Help your children learn to give, too. Let them select toys and clothes they may want to share with other children. If you know of no one who might need your unneeded things, many agencies will be glad to come to your home and pick up your donations for distribution to the needy. God wants us to help the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11), and these are some ways we as women can do this.

Another way we can give is by giving of ourselves. In today's increasingly "on-line" society, people become increasingly isolated and alone, lacking real face-to-face contact. Even in Church congregations, there are singles, widows, widowers, and single-parent households in need of friendship. People need to know that they are an essential part of the Church family. Those of us with family in the Church may not have considered how lonely it can be spending the days between Sabbaths without the fellowship of other converted brethren. We can become so busy with our own lives that we miss opportunities to enrich others'. Just a phone call during the week can lift someone's spirit. You and your family could plan a visit to someone's home, or invite someone to yours. Teach your children the art of conversation by encouraging them to speak to older Church members and be sociable—and set an example for them to imitate! Move out of your comfort zone and socialize with people outside your inner circle; this will challenge you to grow. Certainly, there is no better way to get to know someone than to break bread together and fellowship (Psalm 133:1; Malachi 3:16).

As you live the give way, people will see that it works, just as I was impressed with my friend's example years ago. When they see your light, they will ask you how it works, and you can point them back to God (Matthew 5:16). Your life will be enriched, and you will experience Jesus' wisdom: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).