Most of the world has the mentality of “how can I get the most out of this to benefit me?” Giving is often seen as an added extra, when it won’t inconvenience or cause too much discomfort on our behalf.
However if we really want to discover the true riches of both heaven and earth, God exhorts us to be mindful to be a blessing to others. He encourages us to be givers, and to have a lifestyle of giving.
What does it mean to “live to give”? When we look to God’s word on the grace of giving it illustrates it is when:
We would designate our time, money and love for those in need.
When we find a hurt and heal it; and find a need and meet it.
When we use our gifts, talents and abilities to give into the lives of others.
However to truly adopt a life style of giving, perhaps firstly we need to ask ourselves the question, “What is the reason that God put me on earth?” “How does He want me to give?” God has a plan for each one of our lives; He has something for each of us to do. What gifts, time and abilities has He given us, and how can we use them to give to others?
We are created with a huge capacity to love and bless others. Sadly sometimes we may have been hurt or disappointed in life so we hold back, or are guarded with people. But God doesn’t want us to remain in that state. He encourages us to live a life of giving knowing that, “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”(Proverbs 11:25). Giving hugely blesses not just the receiver, but also the giver.
The world can be such a busy place, with so much noise, distraction and activity. It can be difficult for our hearts and minds to remain focused on Jesus and what is really important. But I encourage you to take some time to pray and seek God. Be honest and examine you own heart and mind, your priorities, and how you live your life.
Today ask yourself, “What am I living for?” What gets me up in the morning?’ How much priority in my day do I give towards giving, and is it one of the most important pursuits in my life?”
The world needs you; it needs you to be whom God created and planned for you to be. We each have the ability and capacity to give immensely into the lives and hearts of others. If we start to live with that attitude, God will soon bring to our attention where and how we can give. Give what is in your hand to give right now, and God promises He will soon multiply that “seed of giving”, enabling you to increase in your giving. We just need to begin.
Let’s make the world a better place and choose to “live to give today”.
“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of you righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and your giving through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)
“Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything”. (1 Peter 4:10 The Message)
Prayer: Lord please help me to know the reason and purpose for being here, and then show me where and how I can live to give. In Jesus Name Amen.
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