Reflections: Giving

How do you use your skills and talents in worship and service to God and others?

"They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2 v11

Here the immediate response of the wise men is to open their treasures and give. They give to honour the child and to show their understanding that he is God.

If God is the most important thing in our lives, does our giving reflect that? The rising cost of living has made life hard for many in our country over the last year. Many of us will have worried about whether we will be able to afford things we may have taken for granted in the past. Maybe that's caused us to feel we don't have much to give. But God values whatever is given, small or big. The intention is more important than the amount.

"What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. But what I can, I give him, Give my heart."

From 'In the bleak midwinter,' Christina Rossetti.

Give thanks for those who serve God through giving!