Gain by Giving

“When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 6:1 (CEV)

I know I have written about this before, but God has laid it on my heart that someone reading this is getting discouraged where they are serving. They think what they are doing is insignificant. You know my feelings on this…whatever you are doing in the name of Jesus matters in His kingdom.

We read in the Matthew 6:1, our good deeds are not for human recognition. Verses 2-4 go on to say, we don’t announce to everyone what we are doing. We need to be careful that our act of giving aren’t about ourselves. God wants to move us to love and compassion when we see someone in need, not because it will “look good” to others.

Giving to others is a way for us to bring our devotion to God in our community. Loving your neighbor gives life. We gain connection with our Lord and Savior, which is better than any human accolades. There is joy in blessing others.

Trust me, this isn’t always easy for me. Our church is getting read to kick-off small groups. On occasion they will recognize a group in a short video. Would I like to have Knit, Pray, Crochet featured? Of course, I would, but this isn’t why we have been gathering for three years. Since that time, we have made and donated over 4600 items to the homeless, low-income schools and pregnancy crisis centers.

Mentioning our group on their social media might bring in yarn donations and let others who knit or crochet but are unable to join us to donate items. It could also prick a heart to start and lead an evening or weekend group. However, I know, God has a plan, and His will always prevails.

Most importantly, the church has been very supportive of us since its inception We are listed in their small group portal as well as sharing it in the class they have on serving opportunities. And you know what? God has provided yarn and donations when we needed them the most.

In all honesty, I am good with the size of the group. There are days where we barely have enough seats for everyone. While this is a good thing, having too big of a group can take away from the fellowship we all have with the current size.

What I do know is God has used this group to stretch me outside of my comfort zone and in a good way. It has enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined. It gives all a sense of purpose as well as blessed us with so many special ladies, who all gather in His name. When we come together seeking fellowship with one another, we grow in Christ.

We do gain by giving of our time and talents. Try not and get discouraged when you feel as if what you are doing isn’t being seen. The One who does see where you are serving is all that matters.

Father God,

Thank You for leading me to a hobby where I can help grow Your Kingdom. I thank You for a supportive church as well as the sisters in Christ You have helped grow this ministry. I give You praise for providing a meeting place as well as donations to make items to donate to local charities. We don’t need recognition from the world. We have a loving Father who sees all that we are doing to serve in His name to bless those who are broken and hurting. I lift those up to You who are feeling discouraged in where they are serving. Reveal to them what they are doing does matter. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

August Verse

"The God who said, "Out of darkness the light shall shine!" is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ.”—2 Corinthians 4:6

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.