Giving Thanks
37 Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' 40 And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:37-40)
Even as many of us gather for Thanksgiving with friends and family around bountiful tables in warm homes, around the world wars rage, poverty cripples, and the earth cries out for change. We who are blessed with safety, security, and peace have so much for which to be thankful. Though we may not seem to be impacted by the harsh circumstances faced by some, we can not disconnect ourselves from the pain and suffering of others. It's a blessing that so many people use the holidays to help feed and clothe those in need, but we must also both support those who are doing that work all year, and work to create a world where the need for such assistance is rare. As followers of Christ, we are all called to live our faith out loud - not to convince others to believe what we believe, but to share whatever we have so that others can also be whole. Sharing our resources, lifting our voices on behalf of those without power, giving of our time to those who feel alone, and changing our behavior to decrease harm to the planet, are some ways we can live our faith and shine God's light in this broken world. May we strive each day to give of ourselves in ways that will enable others to give thanks.
6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9 As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
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