The Act of Giving
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed".....Proverbs 11:25 What is giving? We know of various charities we donate to while shopping, at church or at work. However, do we do this because we have extra change, a work tradition, church tradition or we really do this to help another in need. Most at time we donate at church and other places but when we do see someone in need we fail to give to that person. Giving directly is a more effective way of giving. Giving is not always monetary or material,but can also be in kind. Giving can be a helpful hand here, giving away time, volunteering and so on. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says......".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."
The story is told in 1 Kings 17:7-16 about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and how God blessed the widow after she used up her last bit of food to entertain a stranger. Many of us as Christians would not have had the faith of the widow. We always want to be better off financially before we lend a helping hand to those in need but we forget that giving is not always materialistic. Sometimes making time to visit a nursing home is giving and even sharing the little you have goes a long way to help someone. Luke 6:38 says........"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
As Christians we may not have enough but giving replenishes our stores and multiplies our stores. Malachi 3:10 says......"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." We have had various testimonies of how God blessed people who faithfully paid their tithes and offerings at church. That should be enough encouragement to as Christians to give and give our best to the needy. 2 Corinthians 9:7 also admonishes by stating that ....."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."
As we go about our daily lives as Christians let us remember to give to the needy and give out of a cheerful heart. "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great" .......Proverbs 18:16
