Category: gratefulness

Do you have the “gift of giving” to others? Do you volunteer in your community, at your church or local school? Do you reach out to others when they have a need, with a listening ear or caring heart? Have you invited a neighbor or friend for coffee when they are discouraged? Do you take food to a friend, neighbor or colleague when they are ill or have a death in the family? I find myself looking forward to “giving of myself” to others when I volunteer. For years, as I’ve stood for hours cooking/baking to take to others, my gift has been the blessing I receive in giving. Doing for others also takes my mind off my personal heartaches and sorrows. The gift of giving is truly a gift of receiving. Acts 20:35b: “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Have you ever been with a person or group of people when you’ve noted you wish you had a friend? Mockingly they ask, “what are we?” The majority of the time they are acquaintances, but not friends. As I write this, I have never had a single person in my life I can call a friend. Like you, I have dozens of acquaintances. Friends are a gift. They care about you when you have physical and emotional needs. They will not criticize when you need a word of encouragement or comfort. They will not judge, nor abandon you when you are having a difficult time in your life. They don’t pretend to “know it all” when you have doubts. Have you given a gift of friendship to someone whom needs it? Luke 6:31 Do to others….(NIV)

As I read Charles Stanley today I was reminded of those persons whom come to us with unsolicited criticism. We don’t seek their advice, but they feel it is their duty to tell us how wrong we are. I found Charles’ words timely for me as I read, “Thank the person for his interest in you and explain that you’ll reflect on his observation. If he was sincere, he’ll be appreciative, but if his intentions were negative, this may disarm him.” How very true as I recall I Thess. 5:18, “in every thing give thanks.”