By Andrew Fox of Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England
I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, “The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.”
I first met Tim when he came to our church one Sunday morning. At the time, Tim was homeless, sleeping in a tent. Shortly afterwards, we were able to find some temporary accommodation for Tim, and most mornings Tim would pop into the mission centre office to say, “Hello,” before heading out for a walk in the countryside. He always had a cheery smile and never complained.
After several months, Tim found work in another city and moved away. But he still kept in touch by sending me messages via Facebook to let me know how things were going. Unfortunately, when the pandemic struck, Tim lost his job and found himself homeless once again.
One morning I received a message from Tim in which he wrote, “The weather is picking up and much warmer than it has been, so I am happy. I always think of worse situations, so I am always optimistic…and I tell myself this won’t last forever… I read the news every day. I feel lucky. I’m not in a war-torn country or in a place where people are freezing to death and have no water, and I don’t forget the countries that don’t really get to drink fresh water. Take care and stay safe.”
Today’s scripture calls us to excel in the grace of giving and to give according to what one has, not what one does not have. Tim’s outlook on life teaches me an important lesson about gratitude. Life’s situations are different for each one of us, but we can all benefit by identifying those things for which we are grateful.
Our Disciples’ Generous Response provides an opportunity to be grateful for the abundance which is ours, it allows time to reflect on the needs of others, and it challenges us to respond through acts of generosity. Such acts of generosity might take the form of a financial gift or may be through the giving of our time, talents, or treasures.
Today, you are invited to consider what it might mean for you to give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.
Prayer Phrase
“we, who are many, are one body in Christ” Romans 12:5
Spiritual Practice
Spiritual Learning
Meditate on a time when you learned about community from someone who took you in, fed you, taught you, shared stories and wisdom with you. What did you learn? Prayerfully create a list of qualities you need to learn from spiritual mentors and friends. Then write the names of people who serve as teachers, models, coaches, or encouragers in your life as a disciple. Offer a prayer of gratitude and blessing for these spiritual “relatives” and friends.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.