ODB: winners all
June 24, 2010
The manner of giving shows the character of the giver more than the gift itself.
READ: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7
When the Los Angeles Times covered a 2008 conference championship soccer match between two Christian schools, Azusa Pacific University and Westmont College, it was about far more than winning the game. Three days earlier, a wildfire had swept through the Westmont campus, destroying several academic buildings, faculty homes, and student rooms. Unable to host the game, the rules required Westmont to forfeit. Instead, Azusa invited their opponents to play at their campus where they welcomed Westmont fans with free admission and lunch.
On the field, Westmont won an emotional 2-0 victory, while Azusa Pacific won admiration for their good will. LA Times reporter Bill Plaschke wrote: “Rarely in Southern California sports has there been a better show of sportsmanship than this, Azusa Pacific sacrificing its chance at a title defense to give Westmont a fair shot at taking it. As impressive as the resilience of the conquerors was the kindness of the conquered.”
So often, we think only of money when the Bible calls us to give willingly and bountifully “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Giving others a chance and offering hospitality to those who hurt is generosity that makes winners of everyone involved. —David McCasland
Source: Our Daily Bread
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODJ: active faith
September 16, 2011 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works (v.26). READ: James 2:14-26 Did you know that?!” When my student responded with disbelief at what he had learned in researching his social justice project, my heart leapt with excitement. Teaching in a private prep school, I [...]
ODJ: the small stuff
January 26, 2012 Every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord (v.29). READ: Exodus 35:4-29 How has your ministry been able to thrive in these tough economic times?” someone asked the leader of a non-profit organisation. [...]
ODJ: having it all
July 11, 2011 How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! (v.10). READ: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 New York City is known as “the city that never sleeps,” and for a time Scott Harrison was partly to blame. As one of the top nightclub promoters on the planet, his nocturnal dealings brought him notoriety, success, and wealth. [...]
ODJ: beautiful expressions
May 7, 2011 “You sent help more than once” (v.16). READ: Philippians 4:10-20 Last spring, in Stephenville, TX, a 28-year-old wife and mother, Brandi Todd, experienced a brutal attack that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She had been sitting on a bench, watching her children play at the local municipal park, when a [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
I grew with my family giving of their time to church and a lot of it.we didn’t have a lot of money but what we did have we gave. Like the cripple at the gates of the synagogue.Paul said “Silver and Gold I don’t have but what I do I give you. Rise up and walk”. What Paul gave was not money but a miracle. He to was prepared to do what everyone else was not.
I agree with Nathan, giving doesn’t always have to be in riches, it doesn’t last nearly as long as spiritually uplifting gifts.