Living Font: Blessed So We Can Be a Blessing

“To love another person is to see the face of God.”    – Les Miserables

I’ll admit that starting out today’s Living Font post with a quote from a musical instead of scripture is a little strange.  And yet after today’s sermon, these are the words that were ringing in my head.  I remember being moved to tears by this line the first time that I saw the Les Mis finale, and every time I hear this song build to this point, I feel those same goosebumps.  There is something so incredibly sacred and spiritual about loving another person, be it a spouse, a child, a friend. But the love that I’m talking about is not the kind of love that many of us know.

This morning in church the pastor spoke about living a life that is full and overflowing.  Many churches have begun to preach the message of an abundant financial life, drawing people in during difficult times.  A life that is full and overflowing, however, doesn’t speak at all to money.  While Matthew 6:31-32 says, ““(31) Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (32) For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things,” the blessings of this life go far beyond our basic needs.  The pastor reminded us this morning that we were created to be blessed so that we can be a blessing, meant to live a life of love and forgiveness to take out into the community.  A life that is full and overflowing is one where we meet curses with blessings, abuse with courtesy.  A life that is full and overflowing is one that is full and overflowing with love and compassion.

All of this is easier said than done, and quite frankly, a little strange.  It’s one thing to donate a couple of new toys to your local charity at the holidays, but it’s another to commit financially to help those less fortunate throughout the year.  Many of us quickly say, “I’ll pray for you,” when we see someone in need, but how many of us are willing to walk next to that person through their struggle…especially when it becomes difficult to do so?  Sharing your blessings with the world  – giving freely of your time, your money, and yourself – is not always easy, and not always met with gratitude. In fact, throughout my life my own sometimes overly generous giving has been met with suspicion.  Generosity with no strings attached is seen as bizarre in this jaded world.  And yet, it is what we are called to do, who we are called to be.

There are ten days left in the 30 Day Giving Challenge.  How are you pouring out your blessings in a life that is full and overflowing?

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3 Comments

  • Alea

    I completely agree with you and love this blog. Our service this was weekend at my church was a pretty similar topic. 🙂

  • […] our love,” and I’ve always put a lot of stock in that. I believe that I’ve been blessed so I can be a blessing to others. I believe that much of the love I feel for others stems from the grace I have received […]