You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Mention the phrase sacrificial giving, and immediately we envision financial appeals that have us digging deep into our pockets and bank accounts. And, while we should be financially supporting causes that help those in need, there are countless additional ways we can give to others that can also have a lasting effect.
A friend of mine learned that the waiting list for kidney transplant recipients was massively long and rapidly growing. Her heart went out to those longing for a chance at a vibrant life, yet entirely dependent on a willing, compatible donor. So, being in good health herself, she decided to donate a kidney of her own, answering one person's plea and adding years to their life. This was sacrificial giving.
In an entirely different scenario, a young mom found herself physically and emotionally exhausted after a long, tough day. She wanted nothing more than to find a quiet place to lay down, close her eyes, and soothe her nagging headache. But, just when she thought she had found a quiet moment, her four-year-old son asked her to read him a story. She gave him a genuine smile, warmly gathered him onto her lap and opened the cover of the book to begin. It was a small act of kindness, but one that would help shape her young boy’s journey through childhood. This, too, was sacrificial giving.
Sacrificial giving costs us something. Whether physically, mentally, emotionally or financially, there is always a price to be paid. The ultimate sacrifice, of course, was paid in blood on our behalf at the cross. But our willingness to let go of even a small amount of our personal comfort in the present for someone else’s benefit, will have ripple effects that reach far into the future, sometimes impacting eternity.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
As we enter our traditional season of giving, let’s think about some non-traditional ways we can also give, allowing ourselves to be inconvenienced by the cost—whether it’s our time, our attention, our effort or whatever the situation may call for. Each of us has much to give if we’re willing.