You Want Me To What?

Have you ever watched the eyes of a child light up when they discover the joy of giving a piece of their own candy to another child?  We know all too well that we are by nature quite selfish.  We like to use that “mine” word and that can be hard to change.  We continue to do it when we get older we just become more sophisticated about it.  Learning the joy of giving can be a lifelong journey.  The more we practice it the more we discover its value in our lives.  

There is a principle about giving outlined in the Bible that describes a proportionate relationship between our giving and our receiving.  II Corinthians 9:6 says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  God knows what our needs are. The things that He pours back into our lives will astound us over and over again.  As we continue giving we will experience the joy similar to that of the child described at the beginning.  Many have testified to God’s faithfulness as they have learned to give of themselves and their resources to Him.  It is a supernatural thing that only God can do in a person’s life. 

The principle for giving that was just highlighted from II Corinthians can be applied to more than just money.  In Luke’s gospel Jesus 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.” (Luke 6:38)  In the verse preceding this one Jesus was talking about forgiveness, not judging and not condemning others.  Learn to extend mercy and grace and you will find it poured back into your life from Christ and from those around you.  

Life is full of challenges.  When we place “me” at the center, we can find ourselves coming up short – short on finances, short on patience, short on kind words and so on.  When our greatest desire is to honor the One who is the author and provider of 

everything, life takes on a new perspective.  The windows of the eyes are opened and delight begins to pour out of them.  This is when we become the kind of giver that Paul describes – “a cheerful giver.”   

At the beginning of this New Year, commit yourself to a new level of generosity in every area of your life.  Honor Christ in all that you do.  You will not be disappointed.