Day 12- Selflessness
Author: Casey Carpenter
As I sit here looking back on the last year, the hardest thing I remember was quarantining during the stay-at-home order. Some days were very long, and living alone, seemed like they would never end. If you know me, you know that I need my people! Not seeing the physical faces of the people I love, for months, was heart-wrenching and at times very depressing.
However, I can also say that some of my favorite moments from last year were also during that time period. It brought me such joy on the days that someone would drop a sweet gift on my porch, send a personal message in the mail, or show up on my doorstep for a few minutes (6 feet apart of course) just to say hi. The thoughtfulness of those actions helped me to know that I was not forgotten. Those moments brought me great joy and at times brought me to tears simply because of the selflessness and love behind them.
Selfless giving is all about your heart behind it. You don’t give because of what you’re going to get, you give because of what you have been given. When we give ourselves for others, that’s when we are most like Jesus. He selflessly gave everything for us, including his own life. We have been given so much, let’s bless others with it! It is a reflection of His love.
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:17-18
What can you selflessly give to someone else today? Think of ways you can give your time, an encouraging word, a surprise gift (doesn’t have to be much), physical/practical help, a financial gift, or just a listening ear.
Here are some suggestions:
- Instead of running through that door so you can be first, hold it open for the next person and let them go ahead of you.
- Instead of watching that Mom struggle to hold her baby, her purse, and everything else in her hands while trying to pick up the paci the baby just dropped, go do it for her.
- If you see your neighbor struggling to start their car or paint their fence, go help them.
- If your friend is exhausted, buy them some coffee and chat a while.
- Babysit someone’s children so they can have a night out.
- Just be present with anyone who needs you. Whatever that looks like.
Keep your heart and eyes open to what you can do today to be a selfless giver, whether it’s for someone you know or a complete stranger. Remember that the smallest gesture can mean so much! Let the Lord guide you, and He will.
PRAY: Heavenly Father, help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading as I look for ways I can selflessly give myself today. Give me your eyes to see the needs around me and the heart to love like You. Soften any hardness I have in my heart right now so I am not blinded to the needs around me. God, I love you, and I thank you for loving me. Lead me, Lord. In your name I pray, Amen.
