Selfless Sacrificial Giving
I used to think I was a pretty generous person until most recently when two different conversations with two different friends really challenged and humbled me. Now I wonder what’s in my heart? Do I even have the capacity for selfless sacrificial giving? Or is my generosity only limited to my own comfortability and convenience?
The first conversation came a few months ago when my long time friend shocked me with life-altering news. She had heard about a fellow teacher who was dying because she was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. My friend asked me to pray that she would be a match to become her donor.
First of all, who wants to give up a kidney? I’m not going to lie, not me. As the shock continued to grow in me I thought to myself, “Why on earth would you risk your own health and go through so much pain for someone you don't even know?” If this woman was a relative or close friend I would understand, but she was a complete stranger.
Though I prayed, there was a part of me that hoped things would not really work out. This type of mindset reminds me how limited my own generosity can be. However, my friend not only was willing to donate her kidney to save this woman’s life, but she actually followed through with it. To me, she optimizes what love for others should be.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
The second conversation came just a few weeks ago with another friend of mine, who was recounting a time in her life where she was really struggling. She and her children had just moved to the place where we met, and they were really quite poor. I remember praying for her every day as they had no food, no shelter or even a vehicle to get around. God graciously answered that prayer when she got approved for food stamps. Her case was so critical, she ended up being given an emergency disbursement.
Now I don’t know about you, but if I had nothing and finally had something, I would be rather stingy with it. Yet my friend’s heart was so thankful for the food, she chose to give some away. She cooked many meals for others in need, including meals for a homeless outreach. Her compassion and selfless sacrifice has really humbled me. While I may give generously at times from the extra I have, her sacrifice was given from what little she had. Tell me, who has the better heart?
“While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:1-4
I share these two accounts to honor my friends, and others like them, who know the true meaning of selfless sacrificial giving. It’s the kind that emulates the love of Jesus towards us. For He came “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
I will be honest and say I have a long way to go, but my two friends have inspired me to strive to be more selfless and sacrificial in my giving. This world needs more people who show the love of Christ and it’s an honor I know two who do and I get to call them my friends.
