June 11, 2022 MORE BLESSED TO GIVE
Acts 20:35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use will it be measured back to you.”
Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever shows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, nor reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
It seems that sometimes we neglect or overlook some of the most basic truths found in God’s word. We can read the scriptures, and readily agree with what we read, but yet not be impacted to the point of application, or putting into action what we read. Such is the case with giving. I dare say that every believer knows that God would have us be givers-blessing and helping others. The point where we miss the truth of giving is that we may give because that is what we are supposed to do. What please God is us having a heart that finds joy in giving; He loves a cheerful giver. If you are a part of a church-and I hope you are-you will likely hear about giving money for the work of the church, and we should support the ministry of the church financially. However, giving as taught in the scriptures is not just about giving money; it is about a life-style of giving-being givers from the heart. We must guard against focusing on holding on to or preserving what we have. (That’s not to say that we should not prepare for the future.) The scriptures tell us that riches are uncertain and that riches can ‘fly away.’ Proverbs 23:5, 1 Timothy 6:17.In many cases it is easier to give our money than to give our time; we may feel that by giving financially, we have met the biblical requirements. God has made us in such a way that we find joy and satisfaction as we give; giving is a part of the new nature that God has given us. If we walk according to the flesh, we will not be givers, but be takers; if we walk according to the Spirit, we will be givers. May we not be deceived into thinking that we can and must secure our future and may we not have a ‘hording’ spirit; rather, let us live according to the new heart that God has given us, looking for ways to be a cheerful giver; may we have an attitude of giving. Giving may be giving money, or time, helping someone in need, listening with a caring heart, sharing a meal, praying for someone-and the list goes on. The main point to remember is that God loves a cheerful giver.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Blessings,
Buddy
RSS Feed