There are many ways to give of ourselves but we usually do not think of donating blood as a form of giving. Here are some reasons from the website "Giving=Living" for why people donate blood:

• Donating is a generous thing to do. It helps people in need, and it helps people in your community. When you give, others live.
• Donors, especially those who donate regularly, keep our nation’s blood supply stable. Although many people donate blood after disasters, blood is needed every day of the year.
• There is no substitute for blood. Donors provide the only supply of life-saving blood for those in need.
• Donating is simple, fast, and convenient. The donation process can take as little as 45 minutes of your time, but can make a lifelong difference for someone else. 

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. The need for blood is constant. But only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. However, those who give blood make a big difference in the lives of those who need it.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH "We Are Blood: 19 Strangers"

In our text from Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he uses the example of the
Macedonians’ remarkably generous response to the collection appeal to motivate the Corinthians to complete what they had previously shown themselves ready to do. The Macedonians, despite the fact that they themselves were undergoing severe trials and experiencing extreme poverty, expressed their joy in rich generosity. They not only gave as much as they were able, but even beyond their ability, and not merely because of the urgency of the appeal, but because they gave themselves first to God.

In just a few weeks, we'll have a convenient opportunity to give of ourselves in the form of a potentially life-changing donation of blood. I hope you'll consider this act of rich generosity.

Blessings,
Randy