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From: David Foss
Galesville, Wis.
Would this be a good thing?: We have some extra money and we spend it on something that we do not need. No, this would not be a good thing. Would this be a good thing?: We take our extra money and we help out a family that has a financial need. Yes, this would obviously be a good thing. I John 3:17-18
If we spend the extra cash that we have on ourselves, the joy is temporary. However if we spend our extra cash to help meet the need of someone else, then this good work will result in unending joy. How is this possible? Because God will have an eternal reward awaiting us in heaven for having done a good work (our giving to meet the financial need of a family). Revelation 22:12
All of us know that there are needful folks in every community, but how many of us do anything about alleviating these many needs? How many of us say, “We can do without such an expensive vehicle. We can live in a less expensive house. We can do without our unnecessary toys (boats, snowmobiles, golf carts, motorcycles, etc.)” Do we think about how many folks we could lend a helping hand to, if we were willing to get by with only what we really needed? I Timothy 6:8
If we do have more than we need, what is going to bring us more joy, spending every cent on ourselves or sharing our extra with those who do not have enough to meet their needs? If we do share our overabundance with those in need, we will soon realize that the joy of giving far exceeds the joy of spending every cent on ourselves.
May we never forget about our reward in heaven for having done a good work. This joy will never end. The joy of our toys is only temporal joy. How foolish of us to exchange eternal joy for joy that lasts but for a moment.
Those who share are going to experience greater joy while on earth too. Need proof? Ask anyone who gives to those who are in need. They will tell you that miraculously, they are happier with having less. How is this possible? Well with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 Acts 20:35b
Have we helped meet a financial need and we didn’t feel better for having fulfilled an act of kindness? If we give with a joyful heart we are guaranteed that we will experience greater joy today and for eternity. After all God says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 II Corinthians 9:7
We have eyes to see and ears to hear so all of us know that there are needs ever before us. John 12:8a Remember, our rewards from God if we give with a joyful heart (God knows our heart) will result in unending joy. Are we laying up treasure in heaven? Matthew 6:19-20 Psalm 16:11
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