Giving: Why we should

Giving: Why we should

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Giving is a natural expression of godliness. It flows out of a heart that has  received the free grace of the Lord Jesus. (2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 10:8) The size of the gift is determined by the confidence of God’s provision. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Concern for the one’s personal well being neither hinders nor motivates the giver. The fear of there being insufficiency in our personal lives is a doubt of our Father’s willingness and ability to take care of us. (Matthew 6:24-34) Such fear renders us unable to give freely out of love.  We might “purpose in our heart” to give to a certain need but our concern for our own well being may limit or even stop our generosity. The purpose of faith is not that we might receive what we need for ourselves. Faith is intended to free us of all fear so we can love without limits. (Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:7) 

One’s personal needs are not considered when giving is the question at hand.

We may overcome the concern for ourselves by faith but then be stumbled by the notion that giving is motivated by the desire for personal gain. The assurance of God’s blessing the giver could easily be seen as the reason for giving in the first place.  The promises of gifts being multiplied back to the giver are repeatedly stated in the Bible. (Luke 6:38)  

But this manifold return is to cause us to “abound to every good work.”(2 Corinthians 9:8) Love does not look for a way to get more but to give more.

We can very easily refuse to give or give for selfish reasons. The escape from the prison of “self” is a work of the Holy Spirit. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)  

Love is not a commandment but a compulsion. God wants us to be motivated from the heart. We cannot act our way into loving, but love will always show in our actions.

Daily Challenge: Find someone or something this week to give to, be it money, time or resources.

Daily Prayer: Oh Lord, strengthen our faith to free us from all fear so that Your love can freely flow through us to others. Amen.