The Gift of Giving
READ: 1 Samuel 25
How often are you asked to sacrifice your most valuable possessions for someone else’s benefit? While you may give regular offerings to church, donate money to a homeless shelter, or start a fund-raiser for a worthy cause, you probably do not consider these very major sacrifices. As long as you can still be financially stable, you do not mind helping the next person out. Would you say the same thing if a needy person asked you for half of everything you had? Would you still be so eager to help the next guy?
Abigail, the wife of Nabal, is a good example of what we as Christians should be willing to do for those in need. David’s first attempt to get goods for him and his servants failed when Nabal rejected him. Unlike her evil husband, however, Abigail willingly and graciously supplied David’s men. While she did not know David personally, she acknowledged that he was a man of the Lord and therefore followed according to God’s will.
In 1 Samuel 25:41, Abigail says, “Here is your maidservant, ready to serve you.” Abigail’s active obedience and humiliation are not only commendable and admirable acts of faith, but are examples of the way Christians ought to carry out their lives every day. Due to our sinful flesh and the world in which we live, we are led to be selfish, greedy, and think only of ourselves. However, Jesus, our Savior, made the ultimate sacrifice for us on the cross - His life. Knowing this, we should take every opportunity we are given to share our gifts with others, like Abigail, in thanks to God for his undeserved love.
Let us live according to Deuteronomy 15:7b, “Do not be hardhearted nor tightfisted toward your poor brother.”
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What would you do or say if someone who you do not really know but is a member of your church was in financial need and asked you for help? What are three ways that you have helped a person(s) in need recently. How does helping or not helping make you feel?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for the many blessings He has given you. Thank Him for sending His Son to sacrifice His blood for your sins. Ask Him to give you a less selfish and more giving heart, that you may help others in need.