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Article Archive |
2007
A Special Heart of Joyous Generosity
by Jim Morris
Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there was a beautiful lady with a special heart. She lived among a struggling people in a small, obscure village and shared in their poverty. Of course, her blond curly hair, rosy red cheeks, and ever ready smile always put the villagers at ease. They knew that she was suffering under severe trials just as they were but she was filled with joy. There was something wonderfully different about this lovely lady with a special heart.
Each day she took care of the needs of her struggling husband. She was not well herself and nearly died once before. Yet, she always put aside thoughts of herself and went out to help others by bringing them food and encouragement. Her heart would not let her rest until she did something for someone else.
One day, as the winter holiday season approached, she decided to buy gifts for all of the older folks in the village who lived in the nursing home. She did not have time to ask the church for permission. Instead, she just selected and bought the gifts out of her own poverty because her heart ached to help those who were lonely and suffering.
To prepare the gifts, she asked her friends to help her wrap and deliver them. They joyfully joined her and created a most extraordinary assortment of beautiful packages and greeting cards. Then the day finally came to deliver the gifts. The lovely lady hid herself among her friends as they delivered the gifts. Smiles, tears and thanksgiving rose up to God.
Of course, we know that this is a fairy tale because who would do such a thing nowadays? However, if we look at the early church we see that such things happened quite often. In fact, “joyous generosity” was a key trait of genuine Christianity. Christians learned how to give because God first gave to them. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Let us look for opportunities to share all good things with those around us so that praises and thanksgiving will rise up to God. May God bless all who have a “special heart,” that is, the heart of Jesus Christ our Lord.
“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
08-29-07
# 35
