Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
”Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Trinity Lutheran Church gives a lot of money away each week, each month, each year. In the past 5 years alone, we have given away more than $2,000,000. That money has made a difference in the lives of your neighbors on Whidbey Island and God’s children across the vast expanses of the earth. Blessed to be a Blessing – we give money away cheerfully and thankfully. Generous giving is one of the privileges that come with accumulated wealth. Of course, Trinity Lutheran Church is not a building, it is a gathering of people. The building does not send this money out into the world to do good, you do, we do it together. Jesus talked about money much more often than I do. On this January morning as we wade into the waters of 2024, I don’t want to talk about money.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” I want to talk about your stewardship of the renewable resources that God has entrusted to you. Resources that are abundant, endless in fact, and totally free. I love the word “free.” Everyday you have the opportunity to share words of kindness. You will never run out of smiles by giving them away; hugs and handshakes, good wishes and common courtesies are at your disposal. The supply is endless and free. Having said that, being a good steward of these free gifts is a discipline, a decision, a choice. Sharing these simple renewable resources should be at the top of our daily “to do list.” Like most practices, this giving gets easier over time, it becomes a part of your DNA, and the more you sow the more you will reap. Scatter those smiles to the wind and they will come back to you. Of course, the opposite is true also, share your frowns, complaints, and bad attitude freely and you will reap the same in return. This is not God’s judgment; this is just the way it works.
Common everyday acts of kindness pay tremendous dividends. Your acquaintances will look forward to seeing you, you will be known as one who is generous, thoughtful, and considerate. You blood pressure will go down, and you will find life to be much sweeter if you stay on the sunny side of life. This does not just happen, it happens with intention, we set out to do it, we practice it and over time it is like riding a bicycle.
The new year is upon us, it is not too late for life changing resolution: to share an attitude of gratitude, to smile more, to be more considerate, to be more patient, to choose compliments over complaints. What is this going to cost you? Nothing! God loves a cheerful giver and this giving is absolutely free.
One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your
Pastor Jim
Contact Pastor Jim if you have questions at [email protected]
