What Can I Give?
What Can I Give?
Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Rom. 12:10)
When I read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, I learned that I am a gift giver. I express my love for others by finding the perfect gift. But after becoming a stay-at-home mom five years ago, I realized I would no longer be able to give people expensive gifts. I had to find new ways to show my love for my family on their birthdays and holidays.
In January, right before my mother-in-law’s birthday, we were broke. So I prayed about what I could give Margaret that would be inexpensive but meaningful. It occurred to me that Margaret and Joe’s house needed some TLC, and I had some free time. She had a stroke several years ago, and my father-in-law now had to work both outside and inside the home. He just didn’t have time to take care of everything.
I tentatively approached Margaret about the possibility of cleaning her house. She seemed genuinely excited about the idea. Not only would I be blessing her in a personal way on her birthday, but I would also be taking some of the burden off Joe. So I collected some cleaning supplies from my house and spent a full day cleaning Margaret and Joe’s house.
God has shown me that there are ways to bless my family besides just giving gifts. I can give something even more valuable than money—I can give my time. He reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.”
Prayerfully seek God’s will about what you can do to help someone in need. While you don’t need to say yes to every request for help, be open to the possibilities He brings your way.