March 14, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Share Abundantly

You may ask “How does giving willingly and sharing abundantly differ?” To give willingly means that it becomes a priority in our lives to be good givers. To share abundantly then means that we recognize how much abundance we have, how abundantly we have received good gifts from G-d, and then to be willing to not only part with our abundance, but to do so abundantly. The purpose of all of the gifts we have received from G-d is for the good of the community of God – not just for ourselves. Therefore, we give to build up the body of Christ, and we use and share our gifts for the benefit of all.

“… and God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 8:3

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:4-5

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come (1 Corinthians 16:2).

We need to give and we need to give gladly. What else does Scripture have to say on the subject? The faith practice of making a regular financial offering to your congregation is grounded in a “first fruits” biblical principle. Your generosity is … part of your day-in-and-day-out joyful response as a child of God. Offerings refer to giving that is above and beyond, and never in place of, your commitment to regular congregational giving …

Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroy (Luke 12:33).

Alms are our compassionate, heartfelt response to the people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 25: those “least” of our sisters and brothers who are “less” than we in circumstance only and always our equal in their humanity. Your outreach makes God’s love for them feel very real and very immediate; your kindness reveals Christ’s presence within them as well. (Lenten Devotional Stewardship Principles, We walk together as stewards in God’s church, ELCA, 2012, February 27)

Abundant sharing and giving is the goal of the Christ-like life. Remember the parable of the “Widow’s Mite”? Jesus says, in essence, that it is not the amount of what we share that is to be the measure of our abundance, it is whether what we choose to share is some measure of our abundance.

This week, as part of your Lenten Discipline, collect one stick of deodorant or one pack of razors each day and bring them to church on Sunday, March 19.

Pastor Dave