The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

Reaching Up – Reaching Out

One of the beautiful things God built into us as human beings — in fact, it may even be part of the definition of human — is that we are compassionate. We care about each other, and so we give what we can to others in need. In fact, humanity demands we be givers, and yet, what sets Christians apart from other givers? What makes our giving different?

The difference may be that what motivates us to reach out to others, even when we’re in pain ourselves, is our love for Christ. When the Spirit of God prompts us to give and we respond with love, even when we’re uncertain if our own needs will be met, that’s obedience. When we stop and help a stranger, make a dinner for a family grieving the loss of a loved one — especially if we’re stretched beyond measure from our own life events — that’s giving. This kind of giving reminds us of the great love and compassion God has for us. We realize that when we’re in need ourselves, he brings others to help us, to reach out to us and lift us up again.

The Martha side of you loves to give. You may not be Martha Stewart in the ways you share your hospitality, but you probably offer a good balance of the Martha and Mary of Scripture. Have you entertained angels? Only God knows, but something in your heart readily reminds you to open your doors and offer others your light and love. You can be sure that God is pleased each time you reach out to others in his name.

Karen Moore

Taken from Fulfilled