Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God. 

When you receive an invitation, do you always RSVP? Wait. What does RSVP even mean? 

Most people don’t know exactly. We just know it as “let them know if you are coming or not.” It is an acronym for a French phrase that says "répondez s'il vous plait," meaning "Respond, if you please. In a perfect world, you know where everyone remembers everything, has time for everything, and actually knows if they are or are not available, RSVP-ing would be more than just considerate, but expected. We don’t live there, though. I am guilty of not responding. It just gets away from me and then I feel terrible because I know it has likely had some sort of impact on how the guest count was accommodated for the event. It happens! 

Each week for House Church, we send out dinner plans and ask for a head count so that everyone can prepare accordingly. We know it is just a guesstimation of who will be able to make it that week. It helps us to an extent, and then we adjust. Somehow, every week, no matter who does or doesn’t RSVP, we are blessed with plenty. We share what we have, and it just works out! We always say, “Loaves and Fishes,” because we know God can do big things with a small amount. There is always an abundance.  

In his letter, Paul encourages the Corinthians to be generous, reminding them how Jesus gave up everything to fill us with grace. Paul stresses that generosity is equal sharing, so that no one suffers while the other has an abundance.

"Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need” 2 Corinthians 8:14

My takeaway from this is that “we are all in this together.” (If you just sang that, we can be friends.) Aren’t we, though? In this together? We all came into this world the same. We breathe the same. We love, hurt, desire, dream, and all die, just the same. We aren’t different, just unique versions of God’s masterpiece. Here for a short time. Why wouldn’t we want our brothers and sisters of Christ to have enough, if not more than enough? 

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” -Anne Frank 

If my abundance is needed by another’s lacking, point me in their direction. If I can make a difference in their situation, I would love to. I am not saying that I am going to make myself or my family uncomfortable so that they can be comfortable. That’s not what sharing is; that is sacrificing, but what I can do is help them move out of that situation towards a more comfortable one. I am always willing to share. Your small gesture of generosity, whether it be monetary, the use of one of your talents (like serving, wink, wink), your time, your counsel, your faith, your love, etc., can be multiplied beyond any of our expectations. It doesn’t have to be just “stuff” that we share!

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Columbia’s Kelli Harding, MD, MPH, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and an expert in the science of kindness and the social dimensions of health, says, “... generosity impacts our health and well-being in so many positive ways. It boosts mood, self-esteem, and our immune system. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and blood pressure.”

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED!!!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.