Faith

Day 28: Spreading the Love

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Last Updated on February 13, 2022

The topic of the next reading from 100 Days of Integrity is about giving and how doing so builds integrity.

To hear politicians argue these days, it’s clear that helping the less fortunate isn’t a universal desire in Washington. (Or among voters, for that matter.) There are plenty of people who seem convinced that people who are less fortunate only fall into that category because they want to. And that the rest of us shouldn’t have to give up our stuff just to help those “slackers.”

Most of us know of the story from Matthew in which Jesus explained that whenever we reach out to “the least of these” — those who might seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things — to help them, we’re actually helping Jesus Himself. Yet we find it pretty easy to forget that when it’s convenient to do so.

Recently, a new church plant here in Charleston, River Church, held a special event called “Love Gave Bikes.” The church’s idea was to collect 250 bikes to give to needy kids this Christmas. I’ve been fortunate to have met the church’s lead pastor, Todd Magouryk, a really passionate man of God, and I followed River Church’s progress. I even donated a bike to their cause.

Despite the rough economy, they raised more than 360 bikes, well above their goal of 250.

But one of the most touching moments was in the final hours of their event, in which a boy of maybe eight or nine showed up with his piggy bank: he poured its contents on the table, explaining that this money, which totaled over $35, represented cash he’d received from birthdays, Christmases and other special occasions, and that he was donating for kids in need.

That was an amazing thing to see, and it was inspiring as well. It’s good to know that this kind of kindness can inspire others to step up.

This is a kind of contagion we need to be willing to spread.

the authorPatrick
Patrick is a Christian with more than 30 years experience in professional writing, producing and marketing. His professional background also includes social media, reporting for broadcast television and the web, directing, videography and photography. He enjoys getting to know people over coffee and spending time with his dog.