Giving
Giving is a big part of being a Christian. So MUCH has been given to us. When we deeply realized the value of the gift of Salvation, the cost to Christ and to God and that they willingly gave to offer the opportunity for a relationship. What could we hold back from God or from others.
God asks us to Give
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17
When Jesus left his disciples his last instructions were to go. Go and give the message of the gospel to the whole world. Those early Christians turned the world upside-down with their message. They believed in it so that they were even willing to give of their own lives. It’s all because knowing the tremendous gift they received, they wanted to share with every one the opportunity to choose a relationship with God.
Giving Means So Much More
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
The first thing someone thinks of when mentioning giving is money. What is known as tithe. Some groups and churches have changed it over to ‘dues’. Tithes of the first of what we have and get is our small gift back to God and to His work. What matters most to God in our giving financially, is our heart attitude. If we give grudgingly, we might as well not give at all. But, if we give with a joyful, willing spirit – that God will bless and be pleased with. We can give the tenth portion as prescribed – but it is so much better to give more. It is also better to make sure your finances are such that you can be a blessing to others when a need arises.
Giving of Our Time
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Even with all the conveniences of our time, we are so busy! But, we should never be too busy to help someone, to listen to someone and to encourage someone. Every so often we should evaluate our use of our time to make sure we’re using it wisely. Are we making impacts on people’s lives? Or do we just not have enough time. What matters most?
Giving of Our Talents
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
I Corinthians 12: 4-6
Every one has a talent they can give. Even if it is simply giving of a glass of water to someone in need, that we can do. We can give of our willingness to work or to help someone. We can give a listening ear. We can give of our experiences. We can create, we can make and we can uplift. There are various ways we can give of ourselves – a cheerful smile can go a very long way!
Giving of Our Testimony
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8
Each of us has a story. Each of us can tell of our personal experiences with God. Our story, our understanding and empathy may be just what someone else needs to hear. There’s not much difference in all of us – each has trials and temptations to go through. I believe that is why so many examples are given in the Bible to show us – that all go through the same thing – even those we think are knowledgeable and close to God.
Giving of Our Love
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34
God so loved the world and so should we. Two commandments Jesus gave – to love God with our whole hearts, soul and mind and to love others – as He did. That’s quite a benchmark to attain to. We should always try each day to demonstrate love to all knowing that eternity is around the corner for all. How we all spend our eternity will depend upon the decision we make with the offer of God’s love and gospel. How we answered to God’s call to our hearts and how others answer their call. I look forward to that day to spending time with God and hopefully with you all too. It’s your choice.
