“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:11-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When we give God is honored and others are helped. When others are helped by our giving, what results is an outpouring of thanksgiving to God for His goodness. When we give we are demonstrating the character of God. You can't spell good without God! God is a giver. John 3:16 is probably the most well known bible passage in the world. It is certainly worth eternal repeating.

“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 ‭KJV‬‬

Getting this message to the world is done through giving. When we are charitable, we extend an opportunity for others to experience the heart of God toward them. As others receive benefit from our giving, they, in turn, can be more open to, and exposed to, the message of Jesus Christ. Jesus fed the multitudes. He healed their sick, raised the dead to life again, cleansed lepers, and cast out demons. He also taught them. The distinct difference that Jesus had from other religious teachers who had come before Him was His love and compassion that He had on the people. Never had they experienced such love, such giving of one's self. The world would come to know what an itinerant preacher would do to change the world. He didn't do it sheerly through religious teaching although no teacher ever taught like He. He changed the world through giving. He literally gave His life to show His love for us. God would rather die for us than to live without us.

The least we can do is give of what God has already given us. Our resources (time, treasure, and talents) are not our own. They are gifts from God. May we be found giving them in honor of His name. It isn't what we have but what we give away that matters. It isn't the duration of our lives, it is the donation of our lives that counts. We are instructed by Jesus in this manner: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:38‬ ‭NASB‬‬

“Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭NLT

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:25-26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are we trying to cling to what won't last at the expense of what does?

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me to understand why You have given me such resources. Help me not to think that it is simply for me to consume. Everything I have and enjoy is from Your hand. Help me always live like it is. Help me use what you place in my hands to glorify Your name!!!