This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Cor. 9:12)
I remember the Christmas I got my first sewing machine. I had already been making my clothes and desperately wanted a sewing machine of my own instead of my mother’s old clunky one. I was so afraid I would be disappointed on Christmas Day that I did something I had never done before—I peeked in the “Christmas closet.” When I saw the side of the box, a big smile crossed my face. I never confessed my peeking, but it was a wonder my mother didn’t guess. I was so thankful that I just bubbled over with excitement and tried to show my gratitude in every helpful way I could.
True thankfulness overflows into a desire to help others. So, we are grateful when we have the means to give to those in need. The recipient is thankful, also, and out of his thankfulness, praises God.
This thankfulness is different than just being happy for a gift. It goes deeper than that; giving changes our whole perspective. The typical response to great wealth is to hoard the money for ourselves, but being thankful enlarges our heart and multiplies our gratitude. Joy is just the cherry on top that causes us to be even more grateful. It’s a beautiful circle; there is never deep joy without first having a thankful heart.
Give, and you will discover your capacity for praise will grow.
Pamela J. Kuhn’s husband is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. Her favorite word is joy; her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.