Giving – Page 2 – Word for the Soul

A Fragrance of Loving Service

May 28, 2024May 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.” Matthew 26:7 NLT

The world’s most expensive perfume is ‘Passant Guardant’ by Clive Christian at $7,600 per ml or $228,000 a bottle (30ml). To be a recipient of such a gift would be an honor of the highest regard. To be the giver of such an expensive gift would be symbolic of the love towards the one receiving it. The sacrifice made in presenting the gift is on display whether intended or not. The giver cares not about the exposure, but only about presenting a gift of love in the most exquisite means possible.

Jesus received such a gift just a few days before His crucifixion. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazurus, presented this fragrance of loving service by pouring it over His head. The pouring of oil over the head in the Old Testament is referred to as anointing oil. It was poured over the head of the high priest and his descendants to mark them as holy and set apart unto the Lord. Mary, in this case, anointed Jesus as an act of worship. She was aware who Jesus was, the Messiah. It is also possible she believed in Jesus’ words when He spoke of His impending death, even more than His disciples who seemed to struggle with it. Jesus speaks to Mary’s actions, “She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.” (Mt.26:12 nlt)

The perfume or oil Mary poured on Jesus came from Northen India and was made of pure nard. The cost is noted as 300 denarii or about a year’s wages. (Mk.14:5) Today’s value would be about $40,000-$50,000. It was not only a fragrance of loving service, but a loving sacrifice. But Jesus’ disciples complained this act was wasteful and could have been used more wisely. “But Jesus, aware of this, replied, ‘Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?’” (Mt.26:10 nlt) Charles R. Erdman writes, “No gift to him can be too great if made in grateful love, an act may be morally beautiful even though not practically useful.” (1)

Jesus is pleased with our gifts of service to Him whatever the cost. We can never give too little or too much according to our ability to give. Our motives will determine the value of the gift and our Lord will recognize its true value; may it always be a fragrance of loving service.

Read: Matthew 26:6-13 NLT – Jesus Anointed at Bethany – Meanwhile, – Bible Gateway

(1) Erdman, Charles R. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983.

Devotionals

A Cup of Cold Water

May 14, 2024May 11, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42 NLT

The sporting world is filled with stories of athletes showing generosity in a variety of unfortunate situations due to illness, disease, financial hardship, and natural disasters. They range from the establishment of foundations for needed causes, providing financial assistance, personal visits, and even a signed autograph which may not seem like much, but means the world to the recipient. Sport fans of all ages appreciate the effort of those on the highest stage of their profession to give to those in such need. Their generosity serves as an example for others to follow no matter their means of support.

In Matthew chapter eleven Jesus instructed the twelve Apostles before He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God. At the end of those instructions He concluded by saying, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Mt.10:12 nlt) What is the point Jesus is making? The cost of following Jesus is extremely high. There will be persecution for those who preach the gospel and for those who receive it. Supporting those who are in service for the Lord and showing hospitality to them will be rewarded. Not that we should be looking for a reward, but God is faithful in recognizing even a cup of cold water given in His name. We live in a period where persecution of believers in Jesus is at an all-time high. Most of those suffering for the cause of Christ are outside the comfort zone of America, but for how long?

As Christians we need a balanced charitable donation list. Our list should contain all that God cares about; the poor, the hungry, the sick, the widow, the orphan, the lost, the persecuted, and those who preach the good news of the gospel. Our economic status should have no bearing on our ability to give. We can all give a cup of cold water.

Devotionals

Entrusting What God has Given You

April 25, 2024April 24, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Luke 12:48b NLT

Every local community has people in need. There is a need for everyday subsistence such as food, clothes, and shelter. The logistics of getting to appointments, the grocery store, and even to church need to be met. There are people who have emotional needs who just need a friend to sit with them. Others need help to manage their finances and legal affairs. Many people need help with their everyday chores, and all of them can use a good laugh. For all these needs to be met there needs to be an overflow from others who have been given and entrusted with much by the Lord.

The questions then become what do I have to offer? Can I afford to be so generous with my money, talent, and resources? You can find the answer by assessing your needs. Very simply put, if your needs are met in every category listed above, you can afford it. You may also find that you are in need in some area of your life, and that is for others to meet your need after they make their own assessment. The Lord blesses everyone, but exactly in the same way. My needs are your overflow, and your needs are mine. Of course this is not always an equal balance in our view, but it is in God’s eyes and according to His plan.

Jesus said, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Lk.12:48b nlt) The Lord blesses us to bless others and He requires our participation. And those of us who have been ‘entrusted’ with much have a higher responsibility. We are committed to handle our overflow wisely. It is God’s gift to us in fulfilling the needs of others. More will be required of us. So, now the question is, are you entrusting what God has given you?

Devotionals

Encouraged to give

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV

Many are the opportunities to give financially to charitable and non-profit organizations. These organizations are established to help those in need due to emergencies, such as natural disasters, a major health crisis, homelessness, addictions, mental health issues, among other humanitarian needs. There are also organizations set up to provide funding for environmental concerns, the advancement of the Arts and Sciences, as well as the protection of animals. Those who contribute do so out of a compassionate heart towards the cause and the desire to help people during difficult times.

Most of the time the heart is open to give and to give generously when it is a cause one is deeply committed to. When one’s life has been touched by the same circumstances as those now in need it becomes personal and being able to emotionally relate is a big factor in understanding the need.

Paul, the apostle, in encouraging the Corinthian church to give stated it this way, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) For causes we are deeply concerned about, it is not out of reluctance or a guilt feeling that we give, but we give from the heart as we have decided to do. Paul was reminding the church at Corinth that they had started a collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem some time ago, but had not completed what they started. For some reason the giving had stopped. It is unclear as to the reason, but what is known is the desire of the Corinthians to support the poor in Jerusalem from the outset. (2 Cor. 8:10-11) They needed encouraging to finish the work.

Paul gives the perfect example of freely giving from the heart as he closes his treatise on giving. “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15) God gave His Son Jesus, who paid the ultimate price for us. It has been said, “God is the first giver.” He decided in His heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God is a cheerful giver. Give what you have decided in your heart and encourage others to do the same, for God loves a cheerful giver.