THE ADVANTAGE OF GIVING
THE ADVANTAGE OF GIVING
We get to give!!!
When we cultivate the habit of giving (with a cheerful heart), it’s totally liberating.
Avarice, greed or stinginess are not traits of a wise person. If a person knew what they stood to gain as a result of giving, they would give more and give often.
Giving is not only about money. One can give material gifts like clothes; one can give food; one can give of their time, by being there for others and supporting them emotionally; one can give of their talent and expertise.
Whatever we give and however we give it, let us remember that God loves a cheerful giver. “Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry that you must give and don’t feel you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give.” 2 Corinthians 9 :7 CEV I love this translation. God loves people who love to give. Fancy that! If you love giving you have a special place in God’s heart. And you know that when you are loved you also get special favours. Are you still stalling on giving? I hope not! Please give!
Everyone loves to receive gifts. Especially when they are all wrapped up nicely. But it is actually much better to be the one giving the gifts. See what the bible says: “By everything I did, I showed how you should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord Jesus said, “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.”” Acts 20:35 CEV Are you still having second thoughts about giving? I hope not. Please give!
Another thing about giving is that you get back. And you get back much more. The bible has this to say. “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 NLT Giving is reciprocal and it leads to abundance. Please give!
Somebody’s practice of giving caused God to remember him. “There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called “The Italian Regiment.” He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. It was about three o’clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius!” He stared at the angel in fear and said, “What is it, sir?”
The angel answered, “God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you.” Acts 10:1- 4 GNT
Cornelius was remembered by God because of his giving and God was ready to answer all his prayers too. That is the power of giving. Are you persuaded to be a giver yet? Please give!
Let me share the story of one special women with you. Her name was Dorcas and something really unusual happened to her because she was a giver. “There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.!About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! Acts 9: 36-37 &. 39-40 NLT
This kind hearted woman was raised back to life. Note how she was introduced to us as someone full of good works and a helper to the poor. Giving restores and replenishes rather than deplete our resources. Please give!
It is truly an opportunity and a priviledge to give. A privilege for which we should be thankful. Giving allows us to have an advantage over those who chose not to give.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17 NIV
There are people around us who need help. Let us give to them and let God be the one who rewards us.
IN THIS SEASON OF GOOD CHEER, LET US TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GIVING!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©