LEARNING TO GIVE LIKE JESUS
The Bible is the inspired word of God. It allows us to understand what God is like and what He is not like. The Bible reveals that God is, (1) The Most High God (Genesis 14:20), (2) The Almighty God (Genesis 17:1) and (3) The Everlasting God. (Genesis 21:33) Another amazing quality of God is His generosity in giving to people. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) Let us be like God and find ways to be liberal givers. “But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.” (Isaiah 32:8) God repays with great increase anything that we give with a godly heart. It was out of His love that God gave his Son to save us from our sins. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God is a giver, and there is no worthier goal in life than to give like God gives.
God gave with a spirit of true love and He blesses us if we do the same. Giving done with a spirit of true love will be blessed by God. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42) Giving to others with a spirit of true love is storing up “treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” (Luke 12:33) God’s children give of themselves freely, not expecting anything in return. They give with an attitude that demonstrated willingness and excitement to give.
God gave in order to teach us that we are blessed by giving to others. Many seem to have a spirit of giving for a few days in December. Christians learn that giving is a way of life daily. It is a way of life that brings many blessings to the giver. Solomon wrote, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:24-25) When we give to the needy then our needs will be met. “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27) It is not difficult for God to make up and even add to everything that is given in Christian love. But, we also do well to remember that this same God can easily diminish that which is held on to by a selfish hand. God said, “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)
God gave to teach us to give, because we may find ourselves in difficult times. We know not what calamity might come upon us or upon our family. We live in an uncertain world where we know not but that we might be the one needing help very soon. “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2) You may trust your own wisdom and think your future is certain and sure, but adversity may come. Your world may be shaken in a way that you could never imagine. We can rest assured that when we obey God in the matter of giving and sharing, He will give back to us more abundantly. Be willing to help others even if it means sacrificing something that is precious to you. Share your blessing with others; pass on what God has given to you. This action will make it possible for God to bless you in your time of need.
God, in his providence, smiles upon and prospers those who are of a liberal, charitable and bountiful spirit. Will you appreciate the gift that Jesus gave enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (1 Peter 3:21) After your baptism will you follow Jesus faithfully by learning to give so that He can lead you home to heaven? (Revelation 2:10) Nothing blesses the life of a Christian more than cheerful giving.
By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551
Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA