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IS GIVING WORTH IT? (MATTHEW 13:53-58)

The theme for our reflection is “is giving worth it”? Giving is love in action. The theme for our reflection is inviting us to meditate on the question “of whether or not it is important to give as Christians? The question “Is giving all worth it” came about because the people of Jesus’ hometown, Bethlehem, failed to appreciate His importance and the unique divine gift of performing miracles and teaching that bring transformation and salvation. “When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. ⁵⁴ Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. ⁵⁵ “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home.” ⁵⁸ And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:53-58). In other words, they questioned Jesus’ economic and social status and family background, hence, found it difficult to believe in Him.

Beloved in the Lord, is giving all worth it? if your family and friend fail to appreciate your importance and valuable contribution to their lives? Should you go ahead or continue giving under such circumstances? In other words, should continue to give to your family and friends if after all your good intentions and kindness, your generosity is begrudged and the source of your wealth is questioned because in their estimation you could not have earned or possessed the kind of wealth or prestige you have because of the kind of family you hail from? What do you do when your kindness and generosity is not appreciated as a believer? Jesus teaches us to focus our attention elsewhere and continue giving our best although others may not believe in us or appreciate us for our selflessness and honest intentions. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home.” ⁵⁸ And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:57-58). The attitude of Jesus’ hometown folks did not discourage Him or deter Him from doing God’s will. We are told in Matthew 9:35 that “…Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. (Matthew 9:35).

Dear friend giving is all worth it because that is the nature of God. Regardless of our sins or disobedience and ungratefulness, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). The only we reject His gift of salvation is when we fail to believe in Jesus just as the people of His home town did. It will be observed when they lacked faith and appreciation of the power at work in Jesus, “He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Matthew 13:58). Let us be watchful of the danger of missing our blessings and miracles because of our lack of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Again, let us be watchful of the danger of missing our blessings because of our habit of begrudging God’s grace and glory in the life of people we are familiar with but in our minds, we have underestimated or considered them insignificant because of their former social status or background. It is true, someone you know today might come from a poor family, attended school in tattered cloth, did not have name in the society but that was in the past, God is a destiny changer. It is for this reason, Paul reminds us that “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. Joseph the slave become a royal in Egypt, Esther the slave became a queen of Persia, David the Shepherd became the King of Israel and Jesus the Carpenter’s son became the Saviour of the world. We must humble ourselves and not look down on anyone because the people will look down on or disrespect us today may become our benefactors tomorrow. Again, we are being reminded that must not cease to give or ask the question “Is giving worth it? when we are being discredited by ungrateful and envious folks, like Jesus, let us continue to do God’s will by giving and supporting anyone who is ready to receive us and appreciate God’s glory and grace in our lives.

Dear friend, if people close to you fail to appreciate your generosity, kindness and good intentions, do not be disturbed and ask the question “Is giving all worth it?” Jesus commands us that regardless of the situation we find ourselves we must “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. (Matthew 10:8). May we not be discouraged but be further emboldened to give all according to the will of God.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to give all even when it discouraging to do so and may we remain blessed “for God loves a cheerful giver” Amen. (2 Corinthians 9:7)