Volunteering time and talents is a great way to give back to the community in which we live. Personally, I would rather give my time and talents instead of just writing a check. It is more meaningful to me and helps build relationships with the people that we are reaching. There is something special about volunteering time and talents. Each one of us has something that we are great at. It is necessary to use the skills that God has blessed us with, to bless others.
1 Peter 4:10 NASB “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
I have owned a lawn and landscape company, so I like to donate the services of my business. My company can take a project that would be financially impossible and make it a reality for someone by giving our services. When you do something nice for someone else it gives you satisfaction like nothing you have ever felt before. Your gift of time and talents puts a face with the donation that you are giving. Volunteering time and talents is also an excellent way to motivate others to participate.
As a child, we never engaged in volunteer work. It wasn't until I became an adult that I saw the importance of doing something for others. I have tried to install the value of kindness in all of my children. My kids love being able to help others by volunteering. It makes them feel important, and it reminds them that we need to treat others with kindness.
Volunteering time and talents honors God
Acts 20:35 NASB “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
We are truly blessed when we give. Not only are we helping others, but we are honoring God and strengthening our relationship with him. God loves to see us helping others.
If you do not like to volunteer, I challenge you to do so. Not just to help someone else, but to help yourself. Anytime that I have volunteered I got more out of the act of kindness than the person receiving my gift. If you want to humble yourself and refresh your mind truly, do something for someone that can never repay your kindness. Not only does your donation help someone, but it may also create a ripple effect of kindness for others down the road.