Stewardship - “But I Didn’t Give It To You!”

A special offering for missions was being taken in a church, and the people were asked to come to the front and bring their gifts.  One by one they came, each making his offering.  Finally, a crippled girl arose from her pew, and adjusting her crutches, moved slowly to the front.  Standing before the offering plates, she removed a beautiful ring from her finger and placed it among the envelopes as her offering.  She had no money to give, but she was giving her prized possession.

After the service, the pastor quickly gathered some of the leaders together.  They decided to return the ring to the girl, for they knew the emotional struggle she experienced in parting with something she cherished.  When they took the ring to her and offered it back, she broke into tears and said, “But I didn’t give it to you!”

Abraham met God’s test by his willingness to give the best he had:  his beloved son.  God so loved the world he gave his best:  his only begotten Son.  Shall I give Him less than the best?

From:  “Where Moth and Rust do not Consume - An Anthology on Christian Giving”

By:  Rev. Anthony M. Coniaris