Nothing can compare with the joy of giving. When I gave my wool overcoat to a homeless man on a bitterly cold December day, I thought my heart would bursts, so great was my joy. That grateful man wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest in a bear hug. He smelled like damp clothes, booze, and body odor, but I didn’t mind. His was the holiest hug l have ever received. In truth, it seemed as if God himself was hugging me.

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but he who closes his eyes to them
receives many curses.”

Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing me to know the joy of giving. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.