Going without to give to the needy

Imagine you have 10 gift baskets for a party for your children and their friends. There is just enough, and each child gets a basket. An unexpected guest arrives, and your youngest goes to the new child and gives up their basket saying "Here is a gift basket for you."

As a parent you would certainly notice, and even though the baskets might be worth only a dollar or two each I can just imagine at the next opportunity you'd be itching to do something extra or special for that unselfish child, probably something worth much more than the dollar or two the basket was worth.

Your child may or may not ever even know the connection between their selfless act and the follow-on reward.

I believe that Luke 12:29-34 is, in part, talking about this. Verse 33 says : "Sell what you have, and give to those in need." God is watching, and I can just imagine how pleased he would be to see us willing to go without in order to help those in need.

Quite possibly he'd be looking forward to the next opportunity to grant our own requests sent heavenward, don't you think? (don't misunderstand me here, I'm not advocating trying to manipulate God, and that would never work anyway, but I am advocating learning from our relationships with our own children to give us insights into ways we can live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.)