You can give without loving, but cannot love without giving.
The other day in London, I saw a homeless person asking for spare change in the train station. Many commuters walked by without even looking up, but a few dropped some small change into the person’s hand.
Of those who passed by, and even of those who gave, very few made eye contact and not one stopped to talk to them. Sometimes we can feel that we’ve done our part by putting some coins into a charity box or collection plate, and while i’m in no way suggesting giving isn’t a good thing, it isn’t always loving.
We can give small change like this, or even large sums, without actually loving people. But we cannot love someone – really love them – without giving them something important.
It may not be money of course, and might in fact be something as simple as our attention or time. We cannot love, without giving something of ourselves.
Like anything, giving can be done without love. When we love people as Jesus loved, we always give them something of value or of benefit to them.
Love someone today – give them your attention, encouragement, support, prayers or anything else they may need. You can make a positive impact on their day with something that costs you nothing.
Andy Brown 