A Sacrificial Gift

A Sacrificial Gift

(Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-9)

“I wonder if that missionary will get the money he needs to go to the mission field,” said Russ after the service one Sunday. “Too bad Mr. Gaylord wasn’t there. He always manages to miss the sermons on giving. I bet he’s never given a sacrificial gift in all his life!” Russ was referring to a rich old man who lived not far from their home and who attended their church.

Connie agreed. “Remember how the missionary spoke about ‘giving till it hurts’?” she asked. “I’ll bet just the thought of giving hurts Mr. Gaylord.” Both children laughed.

“Now, wait a minute, you two,” protested Mother. “Have either of you ever given a sacrificial gift?”

Connie was surprised. “But it’s different with us!” she exclaimed. “We’ve got nothing to sacrifice or we would.”

“Sure we would!” agreed Russ. “If I have anything the Lord wants, I’ll give it.”

“Be careful,” warned Mother. “If you make a promise to the Lord, he expects you to keep it.”

That afternoon the children were playing with their dog, Taffy, when Mr. Gaylord came by. To their surprise, he offered to buy Taffy for ten dollars. “No way!” said Russ.

“Not enough money, eh?” grunted Mr. Gaylord. “Well, all right—I’ll give you $25 for him, and that’s my final offer.”

Again the children shook their heads. “We wouldn’t sacrifice Taffy for any . . . ,” began Connie. She stopped, startled. The word “sacrifice” reminded her of their earlier conversation. Russ and Connie looked at each other. They knew what they needed to do. With tears in their eyes, they sold Taffy to a very surprised Mr. Gaylord.

Later Mr. Gaylord talked with their mother and learned why they had sold Taffy. “That dog meant all the world to those children,” he exclaimed when he had heard the story, “yet they were willing to give him up for the Lord!” He shook his head in amazement. “This is the most powerful sermon I’ve ever had preached to me,” he added. “If they can give $25, I can give a thousand. And from now on, I’m going to start giving the way those children have taught me to give.” HCT

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Sometimes God asks us to give sacrificially. Ask him what he would have you do, and then do it. After all he has done for you, no sacrifice is too great to make for him!

Give Sacrificially

MEMORIZE:

“God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7