Give

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Mike

Our time, our money, our personal possessions, and our emotional support are all resources that God has provided for us to share with others. We humans have a natural inclination to hoard what is ours as a means of self-preservation. This greedy dark-side of human nature can be overcome and a blessing will follow when we open up our hearts and share what we have with others.

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

As in all things, the motives for our actions play a central role in our response from God. If our primary motive is to receive a reward, we have lost our way. Only a sincere heartfelt effort that seeks no reward will receive God’s generous blessing.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)

God made the ultimate sacrifice of giving his Son for our salvation. How can we not feel obligated to model such sacrifice in our own lives?

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

As followers of Jesus Christ, there is no room for arrogance, pride, or an inflated ego. Our primary focus should be outside of ourselves. When we spend our day looking for opportunities to serve others we are traveling in the footsteps of Jesus.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

We express our love for God in a practical manner when we actively seek those in need and offer assistance. When we have been blessed our first inclination should be to share that blessing with others. This is the true measure of our dedication to Christ.

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” 1 John 3:17 (NIV)

Love for God and our neighbor is the ultimate adherence to the laws of God. It is completely impossible to break one of God’s laws when acting out of love for God and love for others.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

The apostle Paul is perhaps the most supreme example of an ordinary man living out his faith in dedicated service to God by serving others. In the books of Acts, Paul shares the simple statement Jesus shared with him regarding our duty to give.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 (NIV)

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