Today’s verse reminds me of the story in 1 Kings 17:7-16 in which a widow and her son had only a small portion of flour and oil — enough for one final meager meal. The woman was intimately familiar with death: after all, she had lost her husband. Bad things happened to good people, she knew.

She had plans. With the last of her strength, she would make the last of their food, and then she and her son would die.

Her dire circumstances didn’t stop her from sharing what she had with Elijah, however. She shared because her belief in God convicted her it was the right thing to do. And God blessed her generosity, making sure she never ran out of flour and oil!

You may say, “I have nothing to give.” But this simply isn’t true. We all have something to give. Even if it is nothing more than a smile, words of encouragement, a complement, prayers on someone’s behalf, or your time, it is a gift.

Getting into the habit of giving is part of loving others as Jesus loves us. When you give, God will give to you. He will not leave you in need.