Our efforts to be useful reveal our abilities for usefulness. We have talents and capabilities that lie dormant and are illuminated through our actions. Our strength for work is often hidden, even from ourselves, until we step out to serve others. It is through service that we truly understand the power within us.
We often don't realize the extent of our compassion until we try to soothe another's sorrow. We may even find that while attempting to educate others, we gain valuable insight for ourselves. Some of the most gracious lessons are learned in times of service. For instance, we might have gone to teach the Scriptures, only to return humbled by how little we understood. In our interactions with those less fortunate, we often receive a more perfect understanding of God's love and truth. Thus, serving others often humbles us.

Our comfort is also amplified when we labor for others. Our efforts to cheer them bring joy to our hearts. Consider the two men in the snow: one kept the other from perishing by warming his limbs, in turn, maintaining his own body temperature and saving his life. The widow of Zarephath provided for the prophet's needs from her own meager resources, and from that day forward she never lacked anything. So give generously, and you will receive an abundance—a good measure, pressed down, and overflowing.

Father, may You guide our actions in service of others,
May our hearts remain open in the face of sorrow and joy,
Grant us the strength to give generously,
That we may receive Your abundance.

Questions for Reflection

1. What hidden talents have you discovered in yourself through serving others?
2. How can the principle of 'giving to receive' apply in modern society?
3. How have you experienced personal growth by helping others?
4. Can you recall an instance where teaching someone else led to your own learning?
5. How can service to others lead to self-discovery and personal development?
6. How has a selfless act impacted your own life?
7. Can you share a moment where you felt humbled by the grace found in unexpected places?
8. How does the act of giving bring you closer to understanding God's way?
9. How can you better serve and refresh others in your community?
10. What does it mean to have a "generous soul"?

Supporting Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:6: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Proverbs 19:17: Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Acts 20:35: In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Proverbs 22:9: A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
Matthew 10:42: And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”
Proverbs 28:27: Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

Dawn and Dusk: Scriptures, Devotions, and Prayers. Inspired by Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Morning and Evening: Daily Readings. You are free to copy as needed for noncommercial personal and ministry use.