From The "Teaching Home" magazine (a wonderful magazine all homeschoolers will enjoy)
God's Gift List
Talk to your family about those to whom God told us to give.
And remember everyone's greatest need is salvation. The greatest
love we can share is the good news of the Gospel!
Our Family
Sometimes we fail to show our love and generosity to the
ones we love the most. Being aware of that possibility can help us
to be more considerate of them and watch for opportunities to be
lovingly generous.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this
all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for
one another" (John 13:34, 35).
Everyone/Our "Neighbors"
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).
The Needy and Unlovely
God loved us when we were unlovely to Him (Rom. 5:8).
He asks us to love and give to prisoners; widows and orphans;
the poor, handicapped, hungry, thirsty, or sick; strangers, those
in need of clothing, and those that cannot return our gifts. (See
James 1:27; Luke 14:12-14; Matthew 25:34-46.)
"Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and
those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the
body" (Hebrews 13:3).
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners love those who love them" (Luke 6:32).
* Look for someone that you would not naturally show love to
and do so for the Lord's sake.
* Find a practical way to meet their need.
Those Who Have Done Us Wrong
"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do
good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27, 28).
Only by the love of God flowing through us can we be
generous to those who have wronged or hurt us. But that is the
Lord's way (Eph. 4:32).
* A simple card or small gift can make all the difference in a
strained relationship by showing forgiveness and openness.
Christian Workers and Missionaries
"The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of
double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and
teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17).
* Find out the needs of your pastor and the missionaries you
support (maybe something above their regular support), and
seek ways to meet them all year long.