Giving

Commercialism has tainted the true essence of giving. Our giving should be an outflowing of the love of God shed abroad in our hearts for the meeting of needs of others. The overriding idea of giving is that of self sacrifice. The ultimate sacrifice of self being that of our Saviour. What an example to emulate! This time of year gets so absolutely hectic that it is easy to give a toy for a needy child, but are we available to give of our time for the needs of others. I challenge us all to make time for others...even if that is our own child in need of our time. God help us not just strive for the good, but make time for, and give of our best!

Readiness, cheerfulness, and love ought to be characteristic of our giving.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Matthew 10:42 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. (also Mark 9:41)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

I Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The purpose of our laboring is to ultimately to be able to help others in need.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

We recognize that our daily needs are ultimately provided by our loving Heavenly Father.
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

The most amazing and wondrous gift ever given was the life of our Saviour.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 3:16 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.