We cannot grow in the Christian faith unless we are willing to give of ourselves. We do not do this giving freely of our human natures at first, but we do it from the Spirit of God Who lives within us, moving us to sanctification and growth with His awesome power.
We walk by the Holy Spirit, and by that Spirit, we can accomplish anything, including giving with an unselfish heart. “If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:38 (Contemporary English Version)
Give to Others
What are some of the things we can offer to others? Money comes to mind at once, but it isn’t just money that others need from us. Look at your blessings. It will soon be evident which ones you can share with others and, upon examination of your conscience, you’ll know whether you’ve been hoarding them for yourself or generous with them.
• Your time (perhaps sitting for a child so a harried mother can have some leisure time)
• Your talents (things like cooking meals for people shut-in or ill)
• Your possessions (such as availability of your car to run errands)
• Your knowledge of the saving grace of Christ
• Encouraging words
• An open ear to their problems
God Will Give to You
• All your needs will be met- Whatever it is that you can give, you will never have a lack of it for yourself because God will see to that, depending on the state of your heart as you give. In fact, the Lord will see to it that you have more than your share, more than you will ever need if you give cheerfully. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (New International Version)
• Better understanding and wisdom- When you practice giving to others, you will find yourself growing in faith and knowledge of the Creator. Whenever we act more like Jesus, we come to understand Him better, and to understand Him and His giving nature is how we can feel his love for us all the more emphatically.
• Blessings and rewards from God- Sooner than later, if you make giving a conscious practice on a daily basis, it will become a part of your nature to look forward to giving. You will reap the added blessings the Lord is bestowing upon you, and you will want to continue to please Him. You will think of others as more important than yourself as the Word of God intends. Giving will become as natural as breathing as you follow the Holy Spirit’s path of selflessness for your life. “Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (Contemporary English Version)