I thanked her with so much appreciation for the help she offered which was a bit unexpected as we were mere acquaintances. Twenty-four hours later, I had a message from her through someone else, “Huwag mo na raw uulitin yun pinagawa mo sa kanya.” My jaw dropped. I was flabbergasted. Don’t do what? She was the one who volunteered.

“Humingi ka pa raw ng mask,” came the second charge to which I will admit. I did ask for one because it was required by her office which I visited. I still had not acquired the habit of wearing a mask so I didn’t have any with me and I didn’t know about the policy.

The accusation made me so mad that I started shaking and broke out in sweats. In my anger, the Lord reminded me of 2 Cor. 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (ESV)

An all-too familiar verse became fresh and new. I knew that people could give not cheerfully but the dissonance in her heart to the point she had to let me know made me see the verse in a different light.

I also felt insulted. This made me wonder if God ever feels the same when we give with reluctance and under compulsion. Perhaps not as nothing takes Him by surprise for He sees our hearts. At the most, God is probably disappointed not for Himself but for us as we lose out on the promised rewards.

Trying times unmask who we really are. Perhaps it is difficult to give a mask that has risen to 4x its original value especially when it can be used for yourself or your loved ones, not an acquaintance. Giving in normal times is already a test of character as not everyone gives but giving in abnormal times is the board exam. One can pass a test now and fail the next but a board passer will always be a board passer. It is difficult to give in uncertain times such as what the whole world is going through right now but once that is hurdled, the grip we have on our possessions becomes looser as our arms are stretched wide open to receive God’s overflowing blessings.

Stay safe, everyone.

We will get through this.