Intent On Giving

Read Philippians 2:1-11

Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help me? Does it mean anything to you that we are brothers in the Lord, sharing the same Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all? Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose.

Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.

Philippians 2:1-4 (TLB)

Madeline Kalu lives in North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany. After a snowstorm and dramatic drop in temperature, a thick layer of ice and snow covered the ground. Although it was blisteringly cold, Madeline's husband, Solomon, went out to clear the sidewalk in front of their house. It was hard work, but he slowly began to carve a path.

Solomon had leaned back on his shovel to take a brief break when a man passed by. He was dressed inadequately for the weather and looked gaunt, but he offered to help Solomon shovel the snow and did so with gusto. As the man shoveled snow, he and Solomon struck up a conversation. Upon hearing that the man was homeless, Solomon's heart was grieved. He knew that during the harsh winter, many people were in dire need of shelter and provision, yet this stranger had approached Solomon with a heart intent on giving. Working together, they cleared the sidewalk. In return for his kindness, Solomon gave the man a gift before bidding him farewell.

Afterward, Solomon ruminated on the lesson God had shown him - that help can come in unexpected ways and we should be open to receiving it. We each have God-given gifts that we can use to lift each other up and provide hope.

Prayer: Merciful Father, help us to receive the gifts and assistance of others. Show us how to use our gifts to provide hope and help to those around us, in Jesus' name. Amen.