Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:7 ESV)
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hen most people think of giving, the focus is usually on money. Giving can constitute a number of things: time, talent, love, prayer, hugs, smiles, words of encouragement, and the list goes on. Each one of these can be broken into smaller entities involving giving. You do not have to be wealthy to give to others because it is the simple ways of helping others and giving back to the Lord that sometimes reap the most benefits for the giver and the receiver. Think about this: you can be a wealthy giver and not have to spend a dime! However, you must not give solely because you have been asked to do it or for a show, “… for God loves a cheerful giver.” Therefore, whatever and whenever you give, always do it from the heart!
As long as we live, we are going to be asked to give. The Word asks us to give. It is not what you give but how you give. If you give and do it with a grudge in your heart, because you felt compelled to do it against your will, or for a show or competition to broadcast all over the place, this is not of God, and He most definitely will not be pleased with your so-called gift. Further, He will not reward you, for the Word firmly states in Mark 12:41-44 (ESV): “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’” There are four life lessons that can be learned from these verses: the Lord watches our every move, He knows our motives and intentions, He frowns upon those who want recognition for their giving, and He recognizes and uplifts those who sacrifice and give purely from the heart. If you want man’s recognition for what you do for the Lord and others, then it is not from the heart. It is self-serving only!
When you give of your resources, time, talent, or whatever it may be, it should have a profound effect on you. It should make you feel real good inside if it is done from the heart. There are so many ways to give because what you give may be the only Jesus some may see. Two of my ways that I love to give are to post encouraging words and stories on Facebook daily, and to write this weekly column of faith and values to inspire and motivate the world. People are hurting all over the globe, especially from this pandemic, so offering an encouraging word can lift someone’s spirits or save that individual from destruction. If you do it from the heart, there will be no need for bragging, boasting, or seeking recognition.
As I close the message God gave me for this week, let me share three brief heart-touching stories about giving and generosity, written by Angel Chernoff:
“Today, at the local convenience store where I work, an elderly man with a guide dog came in, went to the aisle with the greetings cards, picked up a card, held it up extremely close to his face, and struggled to read it. Just as I was about to walk over to help him, a big truck driver asked him if he needed assistance reading, and then proceeded to read him almost every single greeting card out loud until the elderly man smiled and said, ‘That’s perfect! My wife will love that one!’”
“Today, my mom is donating the kidney that my dad desperately needs in order to live. They have been divorced for 16 years.”
Have a wonderfully blessed week, be thankful in all circumstances, and never leave home without Him!
(Anna Bright is a minister and educator in Walterboro. She can be reached at abrightcolumn@lowcountry.com)
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March 21, 2021 at 04:00PM
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Whatever You Give, Always Do It from the Heart! - Walterboro Live
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