Joyful Giving
Over this past Memorial Day weekend I had several opportunities to give some things away to neighbors and family, and there’s really nothing like the feeling that comes with giving. We usually don’t talk about giving outside of the Christmas season, but having a joyful and giving spirit is something every Christian should have all year round. Summertime brings yard sales and we’re busy collecting things we can part with, but as fun as yard sales can be, I never feel the way I do when I give something away without asking for money. There’s something about joyfully giving that gives great joy.
“‘Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.’” (Luke 12:33-34)
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
Throughout the Bible there are many promises tied to giving and when we live in obedience to God, He will reward us, as any parent desires to reward the children they love.
“‘Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.’” (Luke 6:38)
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (Proverbs 19:17)
Our flaw is that “to receive this reward or repayment” can become the motivator for us helping the poor and giving of our possessions. We cannot allow this spirit of pride to hijack our giving spirit. The giving comes from the kindness, goodness, and gentleness of the Holy Spirit and we should be joyful when we give.
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
It is in our new nature to give because it is in God’s nature to give. When we were separated from Him by our sin, God held nothing back from us, giving His one and only Son so that we may be reconciled to Him through the blood of Jesus Christ.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:32)
May we point others to our great and giving God by how we cheerfully give to those in need. Store up your treasures in Heaven and your heart will be there as well.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
—Redeemed
