A Reminder of What Happens When You Give

Carla* is new to Christianity. A young adult now, she didn’t grow up in a churched environment. Coming to Mt Vernon for the past month, she’s experiencing the newness of Christianity with a welcoming fascination. Last week I was able to talk with her and get to know a little more of her back story. She shared with excitement what God is doing in her life, and she showed genuine awe at the generosity of the Christians in her life.

While we were talking, Carla said something innocently that struck me at a deeply emotional place. She said, “Josh, I’ve wanted to ask you, ‘Is it normal for Christians to give you something without asking for anything in return?'”

I responded, “Yes! It’s how we show God’s love to those around us. It’s what Christians do.”

Carla replied, “Oh okay. I’ve just never been given something before without being asked for something in return.”

She said it matter-of-factly, as if it were normal to never experience true Christian generosity. In that moment my heart broke in two different ways. It broke for Carla, imagining the past she endured living in an environment devoid of grace and charity. At the same time it broke in thankfulness for unknown Christians who took the time to give her clothes and other things to help her get back on her feet in a time of need.

For those Christians, giving was natural, second nature. They probably didn’t think twice about giving something away. To Carla, it literally rocked her world and made a profound impact on her spiritual journey.

When you give, lives change. When you give, everyday miracles happen. Never forget that.

*Carla not her real name.

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