Gift of Giving

10-17-2012 by Boyd Bailey “If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:8 Those with the gift of giving find great joy in contributing to a compelling cause or investing in a called individual. They are on the look out for opportunities where the Lord is at work. Givers can’t wait to give. They may even feel guilty or a little anxious if they cannot connect with a Kingdom need with their time, talent or treasure. Those with the gift of giving believe since God has mightily blessed them, they have the privilege and responsibility to participate in generosity. You can be a gifted giver with a lot of money or with little financial resources. It is a heart liberal toward helping others that motivates your acts of giving. You are thrifty and love to save—not to spend on yourself—but to have additional surplus for lost souls and to feed and clothe the poor. You understand that the remedy for greed is generosity. The best medicine for selfishness is becoming big hearted toward other hurting hearts. Mostly, you give because God gives to you! “He [Cornelius] and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Acts 10:2 Your process for giving may be systematic or spontaneous—probably a combination of both. It is wise to invest regularly in your church. Give aggressively where the Word of God is accurately taught and applied. Where Christ is preeminent, the community is served and the world is reached with the gospel. Missionaries are a must for you, because your soul yearns for other souls to come to Christ. Furthermore, you look for family members and friends who need a little bit of financial margin to get them through a rough spot. Gifted givers discern needs. Perhaps a couple has not been able to connect because of their overwhelming work or home responsibilities. You may be their answer to prayer by paying for a baby sitter for two nights along with food and lodging for a long weekend get-away. Perhaps you enjoy giving gigantic gratuities to selfless servers of your meal. Moreover, you are free to give, because your Heavenly Father has freely given to you. God’s gift of grace keeps on giving. Indeed, Jesus’ poverty made you rich in what matters most. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for giving liberally to me, so that I can give generously for You. Related Readings: Psalm 68:9; Luke 21:4; 2 Corinthians 8:12, 9:7; Philippians 2:6-8