The Gift of Giving

June 16, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“If there are poor among you, in one of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be selfish or greedy towards them. But give freely to them, and freely lend them whatever they need.”  Deuteronomy 15: 7-8

Something to Think About:

 

~When have you been blessed by someone’s generosity?

~When have you blessed someone else with your generosity?

~Do you find it easier to give or to receive?

 

     God calls you to share from the abundance He’s given you, to those in need. So maybe one of the truest tests of your character is what you do with your money. No one is exempt from returning to God, a portion of what you received from Him. You are to give a portion of your income to care for the needs of others– “In this way you also will present an offering to the Lord from all the tithes you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes you must give the Lord’s portion to Aaron the priest.” Numbers 18:28  

 

     Givers are generous and trusting and some people just have a special gift of giving – “…if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:8

 

     God does love a cheerful giver – “But just as you excel in everything – in your faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

 

     Oh how it would be difficult for one person to embody all gifts, but when you identify your own gifts, ask God how He would have you use them for His glory. At the same time, realize that your gifts can’t do the work of the church all alone. Don’t be jealous – but be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build the church!

 

     Acknowledge that God owns everything and you have only been appointed as caretaker – “For every animal of the forest are mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10 Clutch less tightly to what you can generate and become more aware that all good gifts come from God – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

 

     God does want something important from you – your life! “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:1-2.

 

     There is great joy (and reward) from helping someone in need – “Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23

 

     Whatever you grasp and hoard, will dry up and suffocate. Whatever you give freely and generously, will take off and soar - “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” 2 Corinthians 9:8.

 

God Will…

 

Be pleased with your sacrifices – “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

Love those who give freely and joyfully – “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

Be generous to you – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Romans 10:12

Be pleased and glorified by your work – “’Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord,’”  Haggai 1:8

 

    “God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.. ~Billy Graham

 

      Look for a special need in your church or community, neighborhood or family; then ask Got to impress on your heart what you can give or do to bless that person, family or situation. It’s better if you make your gift in secret and keep it between you and God.

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Heavenly Father,

 

I praise You, O God, for You meet all my needs and lavish me with all kinds of blessings. I may not have a lot of money, but I thank You for enabling me to be generous with others from the gifts You have given me. I ask that You continue to bless me Lord, so that I might be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

May we as Christ-believers bear more fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22)