A Reverse Offering

My church did something unusual one Sunday. We had a “reverse offering.” We were instructed to take ten dollars out of the offering plate and use it to bless someone in need — in whatever way we decided.

I decided to give my money to the woman who does my nails at the salon. The reverse offering gave me the opportunity to talk to her about my faith and what my church was doing. My husband gave his money to the young man who delivered our groceries. My oldest grandson shared his money with the woman who always serves him at the doughnut shop. Acts 20:35 reminds us of Jesus’ teaching: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Each of us was blessed when we participated in the reverse offering.

Along with the money, my church handed out little cards for us to write about our experience, which we shared the next week at church. I learned that it wasn’t just the money that made the recipients smile; each of them felt appreciated and acknowledged. And the givers were also blessed and enjoyed participating. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Lk. 6:38).