True Giving

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

We often talk of generosity of giving when it comes to mostly physical items and sometimes of time. How do we talk of this as a gift without looking at the opposite action of sacrifice. It is a scientific law that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so it makes sense that this applies to human actions as well.

Jesus gave his life for us as the ultimate sacrifice. He couldn’t have done so without the ultimate generosity of our father, God.

So what is the point? When we are blessed with the generosity of another person’s actions, is it enough to thank them for what we have been given? Am I suggesting we hang all over them and admonish ourselves as not worthy of the sacrifice they have made? No. It is an internal understanding and appreciation that a person’s gift is always a sacrifice. This is an act of great love. This is Jesus in human form.

All Christians have one directive when they leave Mass each Sunday, “Live your lives as Jesus would. Show the gospel through your life.” It may be all too easy to think this just smile at strangers and open doors for the elderly. We must go deeper as followers of Christ. We must sacrifice through generosity in every way. We must strive to give of ourselves to each person we meet. We must also strive to openly give this spirit of Grace to those we are the closest to everyday.

“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)

© 2019, Illustration by Michelle Theresa Marraccini

Those we love are most often the recipients of our worst behavior. Why? Because we know they love us and accept us? Yes, Jesus loves and accepts us for all our faults and he knows all this before we are the willing participants in our actions. Only that doesn’t make it okay. It certainly doesn’t reflect Jesus nor live a life of the Gospel.

Our generosity should be visible to all who know us. Our sacrifice in giving to others will not be effortless at first. Yet as we practice the release of our own selfishness for the comfort and peace of others we will be fulfilled. We will know the generosity of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They will fill all the places of sacrifice with peace and love.

Be generous! Give love and forgiveness. Unburden yourself of temporal goods you don’t need or use. Spread joy and kindness in all manner. Does it matter if others realize it is a sacrifice? Certainly not.

-- Michelle (click to send me a note)
Educational Development, 2022