July 6, 2020
By Brian Petty
During the recent quarantine, I wanted a taste of normalcy in my life, so I decided to stop by Starbucks before visiting my mom. I told myself, “if there is one open on my drive, then I will stop by.” Sure enough, I found an open Starbucks! The drink I purchased brought me so much comfort and joy to my soul with every sip. I thanked the employees and decided to do something extra. I decided to pay it forward. In a time of so many people filing for unemployment and more people losing their jobs, I am so blessed and thankful to still hold my job and receive a paycheck. I don’t make a lot of money, but the least I can do is buy someone’s coffee for them—a cup of coffee that cost $3.16.
This reminded me of two passages from the Bible. The first verse is inspired by cost of my coffee, $3.16.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV
Jesus loves us so much that He paid the cost for our sins with His own life. I could never pay Him back for what He has done for me, but what I can do is pay it forward.
The second verse reminds me how much I have and what I must give.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44 NIV
This passage of scripture was placed on my heart, because I don’t have a lot to give. I have bills and student loans to pay and multiple things I would love to save up for, but I have learned to give to others no matter what. I have learned to give to God and to others not only in my abundance, but also in my poverty.
A couple years ago, I learned that the Church is more than a building and people gathering inside of it. I am the church and wherever I go, I reflect the Church and the Kingdom of God.
I encourage you today yourself, “How can I pay it forward?” Is there something you have that you can give that would benefit someone else? Maybe it is something that you are already doing that can help others? Perhaps buying toilet paper and giving it to others, or going to the grocery store for a neighbor, a friend or a family member. We can never pay back what Jesus did for us, but we can try to honor Him by paying it forward with our love, our time, and yes, even with our money.