When my children were growing up I used to donate the clothes they had outgrown. I first checked them and asked myself, “If anyone would give me these clothes, would I take them?” Then I would wash them, press them, if necessary, so they looked nice, and bring them to the donation place.
Once, when I arrived to the place, instead of taking donations where they used to, they pointed me to a big container in the parking lot. I drove there and found many bags of clothes on the floor. Among the things I saw, there was a pair of sandals inside an opened box. I couldn’t believe my eyes; those sandals needed to be thrown away. I was so impressed and sad at the same time. How can people give away things like these.
When I got home, I told my husband about what I saw. His answer surprised me even more. He said, your donation was like Abel’s offering to God. When the brothers Cain and Abel presented their offering to God. The first one was careless and the second one was dedicated. You can read the story here: https://bible.com/111/gen.4.1-7.niv.
I’ve never seen this story the way my husband did. I felt very good because God was pleased with me.
Let’s treat others the way we want to be treated.
Sandy Berrios 