June 16, 2022 – Click here to listen
There is an old American proverb that states: “It is easy for a stingy man to get rich – but what’s the use?”
I believe that we should live life to its fullest and totally enjoy whatever blessings God bestows upon us personally; however, in order to pull that off, we must be generous to others too.
Worried about the return on your investment? The Bible teaches that you cannot out-give God. Blessings are plentiful to those who are willing to obey God’s command to tithe and are willing to share a portion of what God has given us with others who are less fortunate by giving gifts over and above our tithes.
It is a wonderful feeling to help others, and I cannot think of many things that I consider more rewarding than helping someone. If you simply cannot afford to give as much financially as you would like, perhaps you could read to someone who is in the hospital or volunteer your time to some worthwhile organization that you admire. We are accountable for using a portion of what we have been given to help others, be it finance, or talent, or both, and to further God’s work.
We have been commanded to do this by a God who wants us to love each other. He doesn’t want us to give merely because of his commandments; however, He wants us to emulate Him in a spirit of love and to do it because it is the “right” thing to do.
I will offer one word of caution. We are told in the Bible to have a discerning spirit. I am deluged for requests for contributions and have found that I must be careful when considering them. All causes are not equal, and some recipients are not who they claim to be.
I have been burned many times as recipients have squandered my gifts, and it broke my heart because I could have given that money to an entity that desperately needed help and would have spent it wisely for the cause for which it was intended. Take it from me, when you generously give your hard-earned money or talent, do some due diligence and make sure that you retain enough control of it to ensure that it will be spent wisely on the exact cause for which it was designated . . .
Remember that we are stewards of assets that ultimately belong to God, and we will be held accountable. This does not mean we should stop all giving. We have been warned: Luke 12:48 – For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.
Finally, don’t think just because you cannot pay for a new church or children’s Bible study building that your gift is meaningless. Jesus said the poor widow who gave all she had, which was less than a penny, was blessed far more than those who gave out of their excess. We all have been given gifts, some financial, some teaching, there are those who can cook up a storm, care for the elderly, help the sick, pray like King David, and so on. Use those gifts wisely and enjoy the benefits.
And put a smile on your face when you do this. It is an honor and privilege to give to God and we should not feel it is a distasteful obligation.
2 Corinthians 9:7
So let each one give as he
purposes in his heart,
and not grudgingly
or of necessity;
for God loves a cheerful giver.