It is more blessed to give than to receive

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (NIV)

“God bless you.”

I waited, thinking someone sneezed. Then the woman on the other end repeated, “God bless you.”

“Oh, hello. You called about my son’s car.”

She excitedly asked if we could bring it to their home, because they didn’t have a vehicle. I said yes, and she gave me directions to housing projects an hour away. The area where she lived was often on the news, but I said, “Okay.”

We arrived at the home and stepped on a welcome mat that read, “I am blessed when I go in. I am blessed when I go out.” She had a single sheet-covered couch and a television. They had nothing. I fought tears.

“Keisha got a basketball scholarship but doesn’t have a car.”

Her daughter squealed when she saw the restored BMW. Kaleb had put several months and all his money into the vehicle.

While Kaleb took Keisha to drive the car, the woman said, “I have $200 and can give you $800 later.”

Kaleb purchased the car pre-restoration for much more. “Oh, he was asking for more.”

The woman pulled out the paper and showed me an ad for a car 15 years older with a phone number one digit off from my cell. “This isn’t our ad.” I turned the page to show her ours, for $5,500.

The kids returned, and Keisha wanted the car, but her mom explained they couldn’t afford it. We left and drove a couple of miles before my 16-year-old broke down in tears. “I can save and get another car. I just want it. She needs it.” Then we turned around, and he gave her…all he had.

I saw much joy in Keisha’s face when Kaleb gave her the keys, but I’ve seen more in Kaleb’s life as a result of his unselfish gift. Christ said give all. Rarely do you see it, but when you do, it’s beautiful.

Faith Step: Follow Kaleb’s example, follow Christ’s example, and give something away today. Don’t give of your leftovers, but give something you love, something the recipient will love. Experience the exquisite joy of giving.

Renee Andrews

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