Blood donation

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,” 2 Corinthians 8:2

A lovely little girl named Liz was suffering from a rare life threatening disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had somehow survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. But he was still willing to sacrificially do it.

Many people find it difficult to give of themselves and their property. That is probably why the Law of Moses set ten percent as what one could reasonably be expected to give without compromising other demands on income. However, we are no longer under the law but guided by the indwelling spirit. We should give freely; as much as we are able, excelling in this grace of giving in complete sincerity to the love Christ puts in our hearts.

The Macedonian Churches had this grace of giving. They gave much more than what could have been expected given their extreme poverty. But their hearts were rich and joyful and they had a deep desire to relieve the misery of others, in any way they could.

As we seek to excel in faith, knowledge, and prosperity in all areas of our life, we should not forget to give the most we can, joyfully, out of free will in love and mercy to others, and in furtherance of the Gospel. May we pray that we harness the power of the Almighty into our lives so that we are able to say,:

"I have performed all, even with an industry beyond my power." Demosthenes