Billy’s father, who owned a department store, had earned a reputation of being hard-working and successful. But Billy, who worked in the store part-time, found out one day the real reason that his father was so highly respected.
One Saturday afternoon a little boy named Chad came into the store and, going to the toy department, began to carefully examine its contents. Everyone knew about Chad’s family they were very poor, probably the poorest people in town. And although Chad was clean, his clothes were very worn and ragged his scuffed shoes with holes worn through the toes did not have any shoelaces.
As Billy watched, Chad carefully picked up one toy after another, intently looking each over and then gently replacing it on the shelf. Knowing how poor Chad was, Billy secretly wondered why he even had bothered to come to the store; he was sure Chad couldn’t afford any of those toys!
Finally after about 20 minutes, Chad selected a beautiful metal airplane and took it to the cash register where Billy’s father was standing. “Well Chad,” said Mr. Peterson, “that’s a very nice airplane model. Is that for you?”
“No sir,” replied Chad, “this is a birthday present for my little brother. How much is it, Mr. Peterson?”
“How much do you have, Chad?” asked Billy’s dad. In reply, Chad silently dug into his pocket and, holding out his hand to Mr. Peterson, presented him with two dimes, a nickel and 3 pennies.
“That’ll just about do it, Chad,” said Mr. Peterson as he rang up the sale.
As Billy wrapped the present for Chad, he couldn’t help noticing that the price tag on the airplane was $5.98, and it was then that he realized that the joy that was radiating on Chad’s face as he left the store with the package was worth far more to his dad than the price of the model airplane.
In Acts 20:3535I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) we read that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” And when the Apostle Paul was encouraging the believers in Corinth to share their wealth with those in need, he said, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man... let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-76But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6‑7)).
God has “freely given” His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, for us, and with Him, “all things.” Because we have freely received so much, our hearts in love ought to seek to find ways to be a blessing to others who are needy.
The greatest need that people have is not the need of money it is the need of a Saviour! We may not always be able to give money to the poor, but we can share the gospel with them!
Ed.