It was good of you to share in my troubles. (Phil. 4:14)

PASTOR DAN LIVED on a meager income, so he was delighted to receive a coupon for a free meal at a local restaurant. The next day he headed out to claim his complimentary lunch. When he arrived at the cafe he noticed a thin, haggard man sitting on a bench, counting coins. “Excuse me,” Pastor Dan said to the stranger, “have you eaten today?” The man kept his eyes lowered and murmured that he hadn’t. “Here,” the pastor said as he held out the coupon. “God wants you to have this.” The man looked up with tears in his eyes and accepted the gift. “Glory to God,” he said, “for supplying my need.”

Though the Philippians were not wealthy people, they were rich in generosity. We learn from Philippians 4 that they had met Paul’s financial need more than once (v. 15), and that their gifts were “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (v. 18). Paul commended the Philippians for helping him and gave the glory to God.

The Lord often uses His children to meet the needs of others. It’s not always our money that He wants us to share. Our time, talent, love, and encouraging words can be tools for blessing others, too. When we are generous with whatever God has given us, He is glorified.

Look for ways you can be generous to others this week.

Nancy Reinke lives in the Colorado Rockies with her artist husband. She enjoys writing, hiking, grandmothering, and encouraging others.