Heat Attitude to Giving

In those days there was again a large crowd, and they had nothing to eat. He summoned the disciples and said to them, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have already stated with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a long distance."
The disciples answered Him, "Where can anyone get enough bread here in this desolate place to fill these people?"
How many loaves do you have?" He asked them.
"Seven" they said. Then He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks, broke the loaves, and kept on giving them to the disciples to set before the people. So they served the loaves to the crowd. They also had a few small fish, and when he blessed them, He said these were to be served as well. They are and were filled. Then they collected seven large baskets of leftover pieces. About 4,000 men were there. Mark 8:1-9

When hungry, some people are ornery and reluctant to share even what they have. I am bemused that this is the second time Jesus feeds a large crowd and again the disciples are uncooperative, or should I say, less than forthright in offering service. Faith was definitely lacking.

The first time Jesus feeds the crowd the disciples learned nothing as their heart were hard. Again they are hardened to the needs of the crowd and lacking in compassion. I can see the stark difference between Jesus' heart and the hearts of the disciples.

When we have little we are apt to withdraw and withhold. Last week when I paid myself I knew things would be tight. After expenses little would be left and I knew I was being squeezed, would I still give my tithe. Immediately I stared lack in the face and gave. This did not open the floodgates of provision but God showed me a way.

Stinginess is ever present but we need to, for our own heart's sake, give. Giving keeps us clean, light and malleable.

Yesterday at church I heard a very good message on giving and the need to carry our portion of the load. We cannot expect others to pay our way for us. God is watching to reward us, with His own presence if nothing else, and that is worth more than gold. Amen!

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