“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 (NLV)
Ever wonder what you’re going to do with 30 free tubes of toothpaste or 20 free boxes of cereal? Well, you could trade it in for something even better – you could give it away to someone who needs it and receive in exchange a wonderful feeling! You might even find that giving can be just as addicting as couponing!
I’ve found that through couponing, I’ve not only been able to take better care of my own family and finances, but I’ve also been able to give more. Even those who don’t necessarily “need” to coupon – why spend $100 on groceries, when you can spend $50 using coupons, and give the $50 you would have spent to a charity?
There is always an opportunity for giving: friends and family, neighbors, community, church – take your pick! If you don’t know anyone in need (which I would be surprised to hear that) there are opportunities to give beyond your own community. Here are just a few examples and my personal favorites:
- Food Banks and Shelters – They are always grateful for donations and can use many of the items we get free on a regular basis.
- Compassion International – Sponsor a child. For just $38 per month, the child will receive food and clean water, medical care, educational opportunities and more.
- Operation Christmas Child – You probably have enough free school supplies and toiletry items to fill several shoe boxes. Add in a few toys, $7 for shipping, and one lucky child will be so excited to receive that shoebox on Christmas.
You don’t necessarily have to give money. Your time and energy can be just as valuable! Making a difference in someone’s life is easier than you might think.
Alyssa at Kingdom First Mom is hosting a 30-Day Giving Challenge starting November 1st:
“Spend 30 days with a journal in your hand. Try it for the next 30 days and see if I’m not lying. Take a journal and just jot down everything you give. Every time you find yourself being generous, write it down. Every time you feel prompted by God to give something you never would, or why would I buy THAT many cookies… from the Girl Scouts. I don’t know why, God just gave you the prompting to do something special for somebody! Write it down.
And then write down on the other side every time something comes back to you. Every time the cycle gets completed. Do it for 30 days, and you’ll never be the same again. You’ll never look at giving the same way again.”
I think it is a great idea and I am totally on board! I would like to pass the challenge on to you! Give something every day for 30 days and watch God pour His blessings back onto you!