Give a Little More

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. 

The church is sometimes seen as always asking for money.  After all, if the doors are open, odds are the offering plates will be passed around at least once or twice.  This scripture is often used as an indicator that we should give generously to the church.  While giving to the church is admirable, I think we need to remember that there are times we need to give more than money.  

We may give our time to make things better for someone outside of the church.  We may not think that painting our neighbor’s garage or offering an encouraging word to someone who is hurting is giving, but it is.  It speaks volumes of Jesus’ love.  The heart of the gospel is not contained in a checkbook, but in our willingness to invest our time in others.  That is what Jesus did.

Now, give a little more.