The Power of giving

Article for June 2012

There are many people who are less fortunate than what we are. We get asked for money every day. There are not many traffic lights which do not have their usual cast of people asking for money. This creates a hardness of the heart, a callousness which prevents us from helping others. Giving has a tremendous impact on others. The one in need appreciates your generosity and, you the giver, are also blessed through the act of giving. 1 Tim 6:18-19 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. NIV Many will respond by saying that they do not have much and so cannot give. I disagree, you may not have much money but that does not mean you have nothing to give. A smile does not cost you anything, but to the person who receives it, it is valuable. Being mannerable and courteous also has no monetary value but is still of great worth. There are many ways to be generous without costing money. To be kind, to be a good listener, to be compassionate, to teach, to show someone the truth. These things are of great worth and not to be ignored. Generosity is NOT dependant on how much you have but on what you are willing to give. Jesus did not have a home, a bank account, or even a full wardrobe, but he did have a generous heart. He gave His life. 2 Cor 9:10-11 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.NIV This promise is NOT promising you a large bank account, but is promising you that you will have enough to share with others. It may be knowledge, or a smile but it will be yours to give. Once again, we do not intend to ‘run’ your life for you. The choices are yours to make, but you need to know all of the facts to make a good decision. Do not just accept what has been written, read the scriptures for yourselves and see what God has said.