In the eyes of the Lord,
giving includes both our heart and our hands. God loves a cheerful giver (2
Corinthians 9:7). We are to give both
kindness and provision for the needy. From ancient times, God tells us not to
harden our hearts against the poor, especially to those in the household of
God. We are to open our hearts and our wallets wide to them without expecting
anything in return (Deuteronomy 15:7-15; Nehemiah 5:8-12).
We can be eyes to the blind,
ears for the deaf, feet for the lame, give clothes to those without, love the
orphan, care for the fatherless and bring joy to the widow (Job
29:11-17, 31:16-23). We are not to
withhold any good gift from those to whom it is due, when it is in our power to
give to them what they need (Proverbs 3:27-28). Even if our enemy is hungry or thirsty, we are to give him/her food and
water (Proverbs 25:21).
God promises to deliver us from trouble and to exalt us with honor if we consider the needs of the poor (Psalms 41:1, 112:9). Generous people reap abundance in return for their liberality (Proverbs 11:25). If we give to the poor, we shall never have need; but if we look the other way, we shall be cursed (Proverbs 28:27). If we give to the needy, God will satisfy us in our times of affliction and then our darkness will turn to the brightness of the noonday sun (Isaiah 58:10).
Jesus said that when we give
to the hungry, thirsty, unclothed, sick and imprisoned, that we actually give
to Him (Matthew 25:35-45; Galatians 2:10). Even if we give someone a cup of cold water in
Jesus’ name, because we belong to Christ, He will reward us (Mark
9:41). If we have any extra food, coats,
blankets, outfits, shoes, etc, Christ commands that we share them with those
who have none (Luke 3:11). He gives
us the example of the Samaritan who bound a stranger’s wounds and paid for his
care until he was well (Luke 10:33-35).
In Acts, the early church members never said that the things, which they possessed, were their own. Instead, they had all things in common and no one lacked anything they needed. Some who had this world’s goods even sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with everyone else who had needs. In this way, God’s great grace was upon them all (Acts 2:32-46). They even sent provision to Believers in other cities (Acts 11:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Romans 15:26-27). Women, such as Dorcas, were full of good works and made garments to share with every person who had none (Acts 9:36-39).
In Acts, the early church members never said that the things, which they possessed, were their own. Instead, they had all things in common and no one lacked anything they needed. Some who had this world’s goods even sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with everyone else who had needs. In this way, God’s great grace was upon them all (Acts 2:32-46). They even sent provision to Believers in other cities (Acts 11:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Romans 15:26-27). Women, such as Dorcas, were full of good works and made garments to share with every person who had none (Acts 9:36-39).
By His grace, the Lord Jesus
Christ, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, so that through His
poverty we might become rich. In the same way, God does not require that other
people be blessed at our expense. His desire is for everyone to have equality.
Therefore, when someone has abundance, they give; and then in their time of
need, others will give to them. That is how the Kingdom of God works. If he
that gathers much shares until he has nothing left over, then he that gathered
little will have no lack either (2 Corinthians 8:1-15). Our giving will join our prayers and come before
God’s throne as a memorial for us (Acts 10:4). Even if we are the most generous person alive,
however, if we do not have love, it profits us nothing (1
Corinthians 13:3).
There may be a time in the
not so distant future that life in the world in which we live will return to
dire circumstances, such as the early Christians suffered. There are already
many who live in impoverished areas that can use our generosity and support. If
we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly; but if we sow bountifully, we shall
always reap bountifully. God is able to make all grace abound to us, so that we
have sufficiency in all things in order to give generously to those in need.
When He enriches us bountifully in every area, we burst forth in praises to
Him. Then, when we share from our abundance with others, they will also praise
God for His provision (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
God encourages us to give
liberally, because He is pleased with such sacrifices (Hebrews
13:16). If we do not even provide for
our own family, or the family of God, we actually deny the faith and are worse
than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8).
God wants us to do good, to abound in good works and to share with those in
need (1 Timothy 6:18). God will not
forget our labor of love when we minister to His Saints in His name. He will
give us mercy both now and in the day of the Lord’s return (2 Timothy
1:16-18; Hebrews 6:10).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we greatly rejoice in Your provision for our life. Help us to learn to be content in whatever circumstances in which we find our self. Teach us both how to be abased and how to abound. We can do all things through You, because You strengthen us. We desire that Your spiritual fruit will abound to our account. Make of our lives a sweet smelling sacrifice, which is always acceptable and pleasing to You (Philippians 4:10-18).
Thought for the Day:
If we have this world's
goods, and we see our brother or sister in need, and refuse to show compassion
to them, how does the love of God dwell in us? - 1 John 3:17