Give as it was given to you

GIVING AS GOD GIVES TO US

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)

We have a lot of clothes in our closets. Sometimes it’s good to bless others with the items we’re no longer using. But, I’ve noticed a trend. We don’t give away our nicest wears. No, we give away the things that are dated, fading, tattered and torn.

The same thing happens when people give canned goods to a food bank. They end up with a lot of lima beans and cream corn. Giving those things away is okay, sustaining, even good. But, it’s easy and not very fulfilling. What would happen if, instead of giving away left-overs, we gave away first-fruits?

God gave His very best to us and took our very worst in exchange – His riches for our rags. He gave us righteousness and took our wrongdoings. Jesus gave His rewards and took our punishments. Jesus gave us the right to be called children of God, by taking away our alienation from the Father.

What an amazing exchange. God is the very best at giving the very best. Do you know why He does that? He loves it! He loves you! He loves the joy He gets out of it! Most importantly, He loves the joy you get out of it!

God has clothed us with the very best. He clothed us with Christ! (Galatians 3:27) He didn’t give us left-overs, but first-fruits; not rags, but riches; not scraps from the table, but the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom. He gave His greatest treasure!

I dare you to meet a need today wherever you are. As the need presents itself, don’t give the bare minimum, give in a way that provides a maximum surprise. Don’t give away a $1 or a $5; give away a $10 or $20. Give away your favorite shirt instead of the one you no longer wear.

And watch for the surprise! You might be surprised with joy. Even better, you might surprise someone else. And if they ask why, don’t hesitate to surprise them with the Good News of Jesus who gives His very best in exchange for our very worst.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I am once again surprised by Your godly generosity. Let that surprise spill over in my giving to You and others so more people can be surprised by Your love. Amen