2 Corinthians 9:8-11
Remember the song “Pass It On”? I did a little research on the history of the song and learned that it was written by composer and pianist Kurt Kaiser in 1969. He and his wife were sitting by the fire in his den one Sunday evening and he was mesmerized by the flames. It occurred to him, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going and soon all those around will warm up to its glowing; that’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it, you spread his love to everyone, you want to pass it on.” It became a song right on the spot and one of the most popular Christian songs of all time. I was also touched that Kurt’s father taught him the importance of taking the gift[s] the Lord has given and then working to “burnish and shine it” and give back to the Lord.
The ripple effect of joyful giving is like a pebble dropped in a pool of water. The ripples from the place the pebble was dropped spread out bigger and bigger. God’s blessings are just like that. He blesses us with time, resources and gifts which we can choose to share with others. They in turn do the same, and soon God’s original blessing has multiplied–coming back to Him in the form of praise and honor. Whatever we give, if given joyfully as an act of worship, God will multiply for his purposes. A child who doesn’t have the means to go to camp can go, missionaries all over the world will live and be the light for people where there is darkness, ministries at church will meet in a safe place, and children will learn about Jesus’ unconditional love for them. God gives us the opportunity to participate in some or all of those blessings, if not physically, through giving.
The truth is, giving transforms us. Each act of generosity softens our hearts and makes us more like Christ. When we choose to be givers, we discover joy no amount of receiving could ever provide. God has blessed each of us—not just for our own benefit, but to bless others. Whether you have much or little, you have something valuable to offer. Your smile, your prayers, your willingness to help carry someone’s burden—these are precious gifts. What if we become so infused with God’s extravagant love and generosity, it spills over onto every person and into each of the days he has given us?
Deb Hill
EFCC Member