Altruism BY: KB © 12.10.14

noun

1.      the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others 

(opposed to egoism ).

2. Animal Behavior. behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its 

kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator.

I was thinking to myself…y’all know I have a tendency to get lost in my own thoughts. I tried to explain this to someone one day and they just didn't get it…but the folks who write will relate because they know what it’s like to have ideas firing off like fireworks in your head and just checking out at times to enjoy the show. But, I digress, see I told ya; at any rate I asked myself so now I’m asking you…when is the last time you did anything without motive or the expectation of reciprocity?

I could easily answer the question because I am a “giver.”  As I thought about my answer it dawned on me that I was nurtured to be a giver: it is a learned behavior.  I watched my grandfather give until his dying breath. I saw my mother give in spite of her being under the veil of threats of violence from my abusive father. I see my sister give working with her church and her pilgrimages to India to work in the orphanage.

I then began to think of what it means to give in a spiritual context…and the first Scriptures that came to mind was John 3:16 -17  16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

When I think of this passage I always think about when you ask somebody for something and they don’t give it to you because it’s their last… “This is my last stick of gum….this is my last cigarette…”  When we say it’s our last there is also an implication that we can replenish our supply. BUT OH MY GOD!!!!! What does it mean to give your only…WHAT A SACRIFICE!

Why am I talking about this? because we NEED to examine our thoughts and how they guide and direct our behaviors.

Matthew 6:1-4 ESV  “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

1 John 3:17 ESV  But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

How ya’ livin’ ?!!!