Meaningful Gifts

In the book of 2 Samuel, King David wants to make an offering to God. So, he visits a man named Araunah and asks to buy some of his property to build an altar. Araunah says, “You’re the King. You don’t have to give me any money.  I’ll give you the property and, I’ll even give you the animals to sacrifice!” But, David insists on paying for them. He says, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord that cost me nothing.”

David is an older man at this point. And he clearly understood that there is something about sacrificial giving – something about giving gifts that cost us something – that is both pleasing to God and good for our souls.

Today, I invite you to reflect on the most meaningful gifts you have ever received and given. Whether it was a gift of time, expertise, money, or something else, what was it that made it special?

Let us pray: God it feels good to give. It feels good to help and to serve. Open our eyes today to see ways in which we can give at a sacrificial level.  We pray today for those who do give sacrificially all the time. We especially lift up the men and women in the military and their families; police officers, firefighters, and others who serve us day in and day out. Through our giving, help us to notice the many gifts you have given us – not least of which is your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.