words of wisdom about giving

Section Four of the Thanksgiving Bible lesson has such words of wisdom in relation to giving. Our holiday season is filled with opportunities to give. Along with that is the ability to be a gracious reciever of others gifts. Those may take the form of presents or it may be an offer of a meal or a ride or a favor. Someone may offer to add to your meal with something they can bring. Be sure you are ready to recieve graciusly as you are also graciusly preparing to give.

Mrs. Eddy writes: "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us." When we feel the impulse to give, in accordance with expressing our nature as the child of divine Love, this impulse cannot cost us anything in time, or energy, or peace. When we are 'about our Father's business' we are sustained and maintained by divine Love in this work. It is an unlabored sharing. There are times to be wise and not overextend ourselves physically or financially, but when that seems wisdom, it is not withholding. If we hold on to what we have, with a sense of limitation, then we fear to spend because we are not trusting God to replenish us. Watch that thought and correct it. Don't limit God.

We need to be aware of the needs of those around us and be willing to help. That help comes in so many forms, money only being one of them. We are blessed when we see our brother's need and supply it. We always feel good when this happens. Mrs. Eddy says it nicely, "The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good." A moment of your time can turn someone's day and attitude around.

One thing you can share is your understanding of God's goodness and allness. The greatest gift is to help someone who is struggling to see that God is a very present help in trouble, ready and able to heal and save and provide. I hope you are experiencing this in your own life and willing to tell someone else about it. It can change a life. It changed mine and I will be eternally grateful that Christian Science found me and has enriched me in so many ways.

Freely ye have recieved, freely give.