"She opens her hand to the unfortunate and extends her hands to the needy." (Proverbs 31,20:XNUMX)

From an early age I can remember my parents cooking for others: for new parents, for bereaved or just for someone they wanted to please. I remember a situation where my parents made a delicious meal for my friends who didn't arrive until 1:00 am. On another occasion, we brought our traditional Christmas dinner to dear friends who had lost their son just a few days before. I have always admired the generosity and hospitality of my parents. As we grew older, my parents regularly involved my siblings and I in such activities. I loved being able to stand in the kitchen for hours, cooking or baking for neighbors and friends.

being able to let go

Being hospitable is anything but easy. But a Christian does not revolve around himself, his desires, and above all his plans. The goal of a believer should be to bless others by giving, sharing, and teaching. A wise proverb says, "He who is hospitable is entertaining God himself." When we give, God always gives something better and more productive in return. It is an invaluable blessing when we are able to let go of all our possessions and admit that we do not own anything.

Perhaps we are tempted to cling to earthly things. I have to admit that I've gotten attached to things like this far too often. I didn't want to give up my belongings, I thought. However, God asks us to do so. He wants us to give everything away, leave our lives behind, take up the cross and follow Him. We were created to love him. How can we do that, though, when we're still holding on to so much senselessness?

An ungrateful guest

The Lord taught me a great lesson last fall. He really opened my eyes and made me realize that I don't own anything. My family and I helped a friend in an insecure and unstable living situation. My gifting and sharing parents gave him lodging for six weeks. It was quite interesting. We gave the man free food and shelter, but received not a single word of thanks. This made it harder at times because we longed for the human positive feeling of love and gratitude. We hardly thought that we better have no expectations.

In a way, during those six weeks, our friend became a family member. Our house was his house and we trusted him. One morning, the last morning to be precise, I woke up to find that the $2000 I received for graduating from high school was gone. To my horror, our friend had stolen the money.

Hurt yet blessed

Why? I wondered. For the first week, I was angry, hurt, and confused. Didn't we help a friend, give him shelter and he sucked our guts dry? It was devastating. I couldn't see God's plan in it. I had always thought that if you help someone, you get something back. If not money, then maybe prosperity or some other blessing. But what does the Bible say about this?

“Rather, love your enemies and do good and lend without expecting anything in return; then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.« (Luke 6,35:50) During this time I did not see the situation from God's point of view. Still, after a week, I felt the blessing. My boss heard about my dilemma and insisted on paying XNUMX percent of my laptop, which I desperately needed. After that, I found a check in the mailbox from a dear friend who hadn't even heard of my pitiful situation. I almost cried at such an abundance of gifts! I was overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time. I couldn't believe it and to be honest it took me a whole week to understand that God cares about me no matter what. He took my possessions that I had clung to and gave me a glorious experience. He let me learn something for life from it. He gave me what I needed even though I had no more money. Never before had I seen the miracles God can do when we let go and help others.

The spiritual gaze

I have only told this story to a few since then, including one who does not believe in God. Upon hearing the story, he became extremely angry with the man who stole my money. An unbeliever cannot see the Lord's plan here. Even I didn't see God's purpose in the beginning. On the contrary, I was shocked and confused. However, after about two weeks, our great Redeemer showed me His perfect and infinite love. He helped me forgive the offender. I even wanted to see the man again. Many friends advised us to avoid him and never let him into the house again. But I did not like this suggestion. A few weeks ago I saw him again for the first time. God gave me such a kind and calm heart. I almost felt like I wasn't myself.

I can't be thankful enough for everything the Lord showed me. He showed me that I can let go of everything and trust him. He showed me what it really means to have a happy and giving heart. Since that experience, I'm much more willing to give away what I own. Because he doesn't belong to me. Hallelujah, for the Lord God can reach even a hard and reluctant heart.

Give, give, give

God wants to bless us when we give. Our gift can change something in another's heart; it can be a seed that eventually leads an unbeliever to Jesus. When we give, we give. What becomes of our gift no longer matters after that. God takes care of the rest.

We can give in many ways. It doesn't necessarily have to be money. We can give clothes, food, shelter, kindness, love or just meet the other with an attitude that shows that we genuinely care about their situation! Listening and loving is often the greatest gift we can give.

»Do not forget to do good and share with others; for such sacrifices please God.« (Hebrews 13,16:84 Luther XNUMX)

Aus: day of atonement, September 2011