Sharing the gift

According to the latest British Social Attitudes report we are getting more selfish.  The evidence comes in a growth in nimbyism (no building spoiling my view), not so much interest in making sacrifices to protect the environment and a decline in interest in fairtrade.  Add to this an increasing hostility towards those needing support on benefits, less tolerance of tax rises to boost spending on health and education and we have a portrait of a less altruistic society.

Times are tough and when the going gets tough we find out what we are really made of.  So if resources are scarce do we share or horde, make sure that everyone benefits a little or guard what we have with hostility towards anyone we see as a threat?

 This is the season of generous love and gift.  We celebrate God's generous gift of himself in Jesus.  God shares of himself, gives freely for our benefit.  God does not blame us for our failings, but takes the consequences on himself in Jesus.  The child in the manger shows God's way of grace and goodness, sharing and sacrifice, gift and generosity.

As with all surveys the answers depend heavily on the questions asked.  I'll leave it to others to assess whether the conclusions match the data.  In the mean time this is the season to be reminded what should shape and define our character.  It is not grumpiness and hostility, but love and gracious gift.