what is giving?

What is the spirit of giving? That thought's been running through my head ever since we discussed it at cell. is it the giving we know of today, where we donate our spare cash to charity or the giving of gifts during festive season?

Reading about the early apostles and the early believing community in Acts provoked the thought that perhaps giving isn't just about giving what you can within your means. Perhaps it is as Sau Ling said, giving is about sacrifice, giving up something for the sake of others who need it more even if you need it. It is no wonder then that in today's rat race society, this mentality has been filtered out and replaced by the somewhat self-righteous nature of giving within our means. That is not to say that I've been a saint in that aspect since I've been doing just that but it does make me reevaluate the situation and wonder how can I give? Giving sure is harder than I thought. It's not just giving up that latest bag to buy someone a gift but as a friend shared, sacrificing possessions to help those in need. The early apostolic community wasn't perfect either, but it did reflect the believers as a community, that shone a beacon of light on those in darkness, yet not by words but by deeds. The actions that reflected genuine community spirit was able to draw others simply by the nature of its fellowship. Such is the importance of the body, where no one is of greater importance than the other and none can survive alone.

I realise there's really so much to learn from the older and wiser.
Abba Father, do enlighten me...

Love is waking up each morning,
knowing you're there for me.
Love is your tender touch,
even when I'm most unworthy.

Love is being able to cheer you up
when you're feeling down.
Love is that special bond
that makes the world go round.

Love is the smile on your face,
when I peck you on the cheek.
Love is you being by my side,
even when I'm sick.

Love may be bitter at times,
yet is always there.
Love is even those times you say
"I don't want to care".

Love is when you're there to catch me,
each time I feel like I'm falling.
Love is every time you tell me you love me,
especially after we're done squabbling.

Love is our melody,
a special dance we share.
Love is HIS gift to us,
a sign to show HIS care.