A Lesson Learned

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Jase counted the money he’d earned by mowing a neighbor’s lawn. “This is going toward a new bike,” he told his sister, Kayla.

“How about putting some in the church offering?” Kayla suggested.

“Oh, Dad will give us money for the offering,” said Jase. “This is my money, so I can do what I want with it.” He noticed his mom was listening, so he hurried to his room before she had a chance to say anything about it.

The next day, Kayla and Jase bought a box of chocolates for their mother’s birthday. “These look so good,” said Jase. “I can’t wait to eat one!”

“What makes you think you’ll get any?” asked Kayla.

“You know Mom,” Jase said. “She always shares.”

Mom was very pleased with the chocolates. She opened the box, selected one, and popped it into her mouth. “It’s delicious!” Then she closed the box. “I think I’ll save the rest for later.”

Jase’s eyes opened wide with surprise. “Aren’t you going to give us one?”

“Give you one?” asked Mom. “You gave the chocolates to me, so they’re mine—right?”

Jase nodded, but there was a frown on his face.

“I can see you were hoping I’d share the gift I’d been given,” Mom said. “Does that sound familiar to you at all?”

Jase shrugged. “It kind of sounds like something I hear at church sometimes, I guess.”

“Yes,” said Mom. “God has given us many wonderful gifts—best of all His Son, Jesus. And He continues to fulfill our needs and shower us with blessings every day. That’s why we need to show our thankfulness by giving back to Him—to help us remember where those gifts come from and let others enjoy them too.”

Suddenly, Jase remembered the conversation Mom had overheard. “I get what you’re saying,” he said. “God has given me everything I have, and I need to put some of the money I earned in the church offering so He can use it to bless others.” He sighed. “I guess I learned my lesson the hard way.”

“Not so fast.” Mom reached for the box of chocolates. “The important thing is that you learned it. Now—how about a chocolate?” – Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Do you often think about the many blessings God has given you? Are you willing to take them—not only your money but also your time and talents—and give them back to Him by sharing them with others? Show Him how thankful you are for all He’s given you by giving back to Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 10:8 Freely you have received, freely give. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give freely to God