This week I participated in a training that was very experiential, meaning, everything we talked about, we did. This included sharing about our fears, talking about the things that hold us back from living to our full potential, and giving each other feedback. During the process I learned more about myself and it was confirmed in my heart, once again, that it is okay to be me.

God created each one of us unique and when we are not fully ourselves, others will miss out. They will miss out in knowing us and in receiving the many gifts we each have to offer. The gifts that God gave us are to be shared with the world. Today I want to share a devotional from my book Devotions for Working Women that reminds us to give of ourselves generously. Enjoy!

Give of Yourself Generously
#99
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NLT)
Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.

We usually interpret passages like this one to mean we should give money, generously but I believe it’s referring to giving of ourselves. God gave gifts to all of us we can share with others. The Bible tells us to give and we will receive. How we treat others, we will be treated. Basically, we reap what we sow in every area of our lives.

In the workplace we have daily opportunities to give of ourselves to others. We can help our co-workers, our boss, or customers with our time, ideas, experience, knowledge, and our love. Sometimes we show people we care for them just by listening to them and treating them with respect and dignity.

This passage also tells us to divide our gifts among many. Our gifts are for us to share with everyone that crosses our path. I believe God puts people in our lives for a purpose. Some people are in our lives one time, and we have a one-time divine appointment. Other people, He puts in our paths for a long time or forever. He connects us with the people He knows we can help and we can receive help from them.

Therefore, treat the people He has given you with His love, and you will receive your reward right here in this life as well as in heaven.