This is requested of us various times throughout the Bible and is an almost universally-accepted characteristic of today’s Christian. We know that when we view and treat others (especially those who make up the most vulnerable populations) with kindness and respect, we are honoring and glorifying God.
However, many of us are plagued with a feeling of inadequacy – a feeling that the hours we volunteer, the money and items we donate, and the kind deeds we do for others aren’t enough.
Though we can’t measure quantitatively what “enough” really is, we can indicate that we feel that these things aren’t truly substantial in a way that will make a "real difference" in the world – that we (and our actions) are too tiny and insignificant to really make a positive impact among all of the inequalities of this world.
When I feel this way personally, there is a verse in 2 Corinthians that I often refer back to, to shed some perspective on what it is that God truly expects of us.
2 Corinthians 8:12 tells us “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have.” (NLT, 2007)
God does not expect us to save the world on our own. He does not expect us to donate millions and trillions of dollars, when we can only really spare a few. God asks us to give according to what we do have to give. He does not measure the dollar value of the gift; rather, he measures the amount of love within the giver and behind the deeds. When you give of yourself selflessly, free of expectations for rewards or praise, you are loving and serving others in the manner pleasing to God.
Organizations such as The Mustard Seed can only exist and continue to help those in need when it is assisted by the accumulation of support from each and every one of our very generous and selfless donors, volunteers and supporters. We truly appreciate all that we receive, regardless of the dollar amount given or the amount of time spent helping out.
If at any time you feel that your contributions are too small or insignificant, I urge you to remember the words of 2 Corinthians 8:12.
- Jennifer Fast, New Media Specialist, The Mustard Seed
@loveismotion222
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