Without Cost You Have Received

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Matthew 10:8

In another version of the Bible, we read, "The gift you have received, give as a gift." Sometimes we are so tight-fisted with what we have, forgetting that these are all gifts generously given to us by the Father. “For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38).

I love rereading an old favorite, "Anne of Green Gables". The story is about a talkative young orphan girl who gets adopted by an elderly brother and sister. They actually wanted to adopt a boy to help with the farm, but because of a mistake, a girl was sent out to them. When they were going to return her to the orphanage, they decided to take pity on the poor child who set her heart on staying in Green Gables. They didn't regret it. In opening their hearts to Anne, they received so much love and blessing in return. That is fiction, but it's true of real life as well. Closing our hearts and hands makes it hard for anything to come out or in. 

We have so much to give, not only money or material resources. A nurse's aid in a hospital named Betty was generous with her love, compassion and encouragement for her elderly patients. She befriended one old lady who had a prolonged stay in the hospital and managed to make her more comfortable. They shared lots of stories together until the old lady knew that Betty needed furniture for her apartment, and how much she wanted to be an illustrator. When the old lady passed away, she left Betty her nice furniture  with a note, "Betty, I promise to put in a good word for you in Heaven so you can get the job you’ve always wanted.” Three months after, Betty got an illustrating job! 

Lord, may we always look for ways to be generous with what You have given us. May we share not only our treasures, but also our time and our talent. May we have a heart for the people You love, the lost, the least and the last in line.