When you stretch a friendly hand
To lift a struggling peer
You’ll find yourself uplifted quick
“More blest” it is to seek “to give…
“Than to receive”, it’s clear

Gifts bestowed on needy folks
Or checks cut to cut pain
Deposit to your bank above!
When Scrooge’s greed met Tim’s great need *
It died! To both their gain

If you donate valuables
To charity or thrift store
You’ll store up endless treasures where
Not “moth or rust” nor “thieves” will bust
Forever to endure

As you shine your faith-light bright
Upon a cancer fighter
It bounces back upon yourself
Fresh hope appears! Venetian mirrors
Could not reflect it brighter

“As you give to other men
So also you receive
Good measure… poured into your lap”
Your measure will be used for you
Where “eye has never seen”

*****

*A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Mt. 6:19-20)

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Lk. 6:38)