Money has a tight grip on many Christians. The love of money is a subtle sin that creeps into man’s heart through many justifications. Thoughts such as “I want to have a certain amount in savings,” “It would be good if I saved for this new home,” or “Once I save this money, then I can start to give.” The justifications are many, and they can be hard to detect.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, what did he use? He used the Bible. Here we see that even biblical commands can be taken out of context, distracting the Christian from the truth. There may be a time when saving money is wise. There may be a time when buying a home is wise. There may be a time to save before giving abundantly. However, the line is thin, and the Christian must know the Word of God.
The Bible does not speak lightly concerning the topic of money. Scripture says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (KJV, 1 Tim. 6:10). Here Paul tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil. What an all-encompassing statement. It may be better translated that the love of money is a root of all sorts, kinds, or types of evils. Simply put, the love of money is the foundation for many of man’s sin problems. Uproot this love of money, and You will find holiness shining through.
If this was not reason enough to practice giving, there are yet more. Therefore, let us consider why the Christian should make this Christmas a generous Christmas.
Giving is pleasing to God
God is a merciful God. Even though man rebelled against God, God sent His Son, Jesus, to the world in an act of mercy. God saw fit to bestow mercy upon His creation in the greatest act of love, the giving of the Son, and the subsequent death of the Messiah.
As a result, the Christian should live his life to please God. Scripture tells us, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16). The KJV may be a little confusing in its translation here. However, when the Bible tells us that the Christian is “to do good and communicate forget not,” the Bible is saying that we are to do good and to share with others. Sharing possessions and wealth is a mark of a true Christian.
But did you see why the Christian should do good and share? The author of Hebrews tells us that God is pleased with such practices.
Elsewhere we read, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). You might think, “How on earth do I give without giving grudgingly or of necessity? How do I give without wanting to hold onto my money?” The first response to such questions would be to look at the immediate context of the verse. God loves the cheerful giver. Would You desire to please God? If so, examine the response of God in the verse.
If this is not enough, look to the next verse. Paul tells us that when someone gives, he need not fear. The reason being is that “…God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). God does not overlook the generosity of His child. God the Father sees, and He knows the needs of His children.
The child of God must never seek the things of this world. The things of this world will be met with decay, rust, and rot. But when the Christian learns to store up treasure in heaven, he will be living a life that is both pleasing to God and one that God will reward in this life. God is able to make all grace abound to the Christian. No matter how much the believer gives, he cannot out-give God. The most significant investment someone could ever make is not in his own account but in the kingdom of God, where thieves will not break in and steal the investment.
Giving was a sign of the early church
The early church has left an example for all time. The unity of the early church has been seemingly unparalleled since the days of the apostles. However, in God’s sovereignty, the unmatched unity of the early church serves as the best example for us, which would make sense as it is rooted in Scripture.
Scripture says, “And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). First, we see that all that believed were together. Thus, the believers in the early church were united in proximity. Second, we see that the believers had all things in common. The rest of the passage recently cited expounds on the statement, “and had all things in common.” Simply put, the believers shared their possessions. They did not choose to hold on to their material wealth; instead, they saw the needs of others and gave as a result.
Do you believe?
Do you have faith? This is a serious question that all genuine seekers must ask themselves from time to time. James tells us in James 2:14-16 that if a man says that he has faith but does not have works to back his faith, the faith that he says he has is of no real value. On the other hand, when someone has genuine faith, it will be accompanied by authentic works. James goes on to tell us in James 2:14-16 that if someone sees his brother in need and does not provide for that need, how can that same man go on and say that his faith is genuine?
Faith and works are so closely connected that one does not exist without the other. James is not alone in his thinking. Paul had spoken similarly in Ephesians 2:8-10. Paul speaks of salvation being given to the Christian as a gift, and the avenue in which salvation comes is through the avenue of faith. However, when we reach Ephesians 2:10, we read that God saves us through faith to perform good works.
Elsewhere we read of how one can tell a tree by its fruit. Giving is an act of love. God loved the world so much that He gave. Out of love God gave. Take heed of James’ words when you see a brother in need.
Do you love God?
The last point is one that the Christian must carefully consider. Do you love God? It is unhelpful to paint such a vague picture that it finds no place in a man’s life. The statement, do you love God, is not vague; it is pointed and directly speaks to the heart of the matter.
John loved this approach. Therefore, the Christian must seek to love the approach along with John. John has said, “But whoso hath the worlds good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion for him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17). If God has blessed someone with the world’s goods, God has blessed Him to be a giver.
Many are living in need, and this Christmas marks a unique opportunity to meet the needs of your fellow man. The words of John are convicting as they speak directly to the Christian’s giving and the love of God. When someone notes the needs of another Christian and does nothing about it, he should carefully consider the words of John in 1 John 3:17.
Christmas is meant to be a time of giving. As one thinks about Christ being given to mankind, he should be motivated to give this Christmas.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for giving me Your Son. Teach me to give as You gave and to honor You in my giving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.