I love Extreme Make Over Home Edition…To see someone who is down on their luck receive a hand up from a community is so touching! I am sure it is such a rush for the people involved too. Not only do they get to participate in the outpouring of love on a good and deserving person but they also get to be in the spotlight surrounded by the cameras and glam of TV. It is such a great cause and some very giving people are highlighted.

But…what happens when the lights go out, the cameras go off, and everyone goes home?

Unfortunately, it is human nature to do for others only when people are watching but it takes a special and obedient person to give when no one is watching. In Matthew we are taught we will be blessed when we give in private. 

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4

One of mine and Richard’s favorite ways to give is to go out to eat and pick up the tab for total strangers and to do it anonymously. Or to lean over and whisper to the grocery clerk “put it on my tab” for a person standing in the grocery line having to put food items back because they don’t have the money to pay.

Do you know someone in need and if so what are you doing about it? As Thanksgiving approaches, I encourage you to open your eyes and heart and give to those who are less fortunate than you. Share your hearts and homes with them or have food delivered to them anonymously. If you do not know anyone in need then ask God to place that person in your path so you can bless them. You can also contact your local church as they have knowledge of people in need.  

Do you have something to give?

Love Lee ♥

Recently I was the recipient of a gift given in private. I have no idea where it came from or who gave it but I am very grateful to the giver and appreciated the gift very much! I pray God will bless that special person richly for giving as instructed in His word.