We should be generous with our time, talents, possessions, and money to those in need it. Why?
Because God was more than generous with us, God gave the ultimate sacrifice. He is the giver of all givers.
“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.” Romans 8:32-33 NLT
When you think about our lives as Christians, God is always giving to us. He gives us the strength to make it through difficult days. Peace in times of trouble. Security to know that He will never leave us. He gives us promises to help us through this life on earth. He has given us grace through salvation in Christ.
So when Jesus commands us to,
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 NLT
It is because we have already received so much from our heavenly Father.
Giving should be a conscious effort on our part.
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8 NLT
In all of these verses, we are told if we give, we will receive. The promise could throw us off track because our greed could mess with us in having pure motives for giving.
This is probably why Jesus told us this in Matthew 6:1-4,
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
(NLT)
Giving is such an essential part of a believer’s life because we have been given so much by our Father and Savior. We are to mimic their example and heed their warnings.
“Lord, help me to give like Jesus gives and continues to give to me.”
