LOVE IS GIVING

For God so LOVED the world that he GAVE… —John 3:16

Love is demonstrated in giving. “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us…” (Eph. 5:2). I know God loves me by what He has given for me!

The Apostle Paul said we prove the sincerity of our love by our giving (2 Cor. 8:8, 24). How much do you love God and His church? It is proven in your giving.

One evening before the great Broadway star, Mary Martin was to go on stage in the musical South Pacific, a note was handed to her. It was from Oscar Hammerstein, who was on his death bed. The note read: “Dear Mary, A bell’s not a bell until you ring it. A song’s not a song until you sing it. Love in your heart is not put there to stay. Love isn’t love ‘til you give it away.”

After the performance Mary was rushed backstage and everyone was asking, “We’ve never seen you perform that way before, what happened?” Mary read them Hammerstein’s note and said, “Tonight, I gave my love away.”

Remember, anyone can give without loving, but no one can love without giving. Love isn’t love until you have given.