Scripture frequently pairs giving and receiving – they go hand-in-hand – but more importantly, giving and receiving is often tied to one of God’s many promises to provide all our needs. We are encouraged to be generous and give freely so that the poor and everyone will have what they need.
Generous giving results in (at least) these four things:
Helps those that don’t have enough. “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” 2 Chronicles 31:10 (NIV).
Helps keep the giver humble. “Command people who are rich in this world not to be proud. Tell them not to put their hope in riches. Wealth is so uncertain… do what is good. Tell them to be rich in doing good things. They must give freely. They must be willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NIRV).
Rewards the giver. “They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” Psalm 112:9 (NLT).
Honours God. “Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him.” Proverbs 14:31 (NLT).
Here’s the amazing thing; we serve a God that is so faithful, he invites us to test His promise. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10 (NIV).
As Christians we are called by God to live generously, and give generously: it’s a lifestyle. The Christmas Season affords some great opportunities to practice generosity. Here’s a few ways we can do this together:
- Donate toward grocery gift cards for families in need in our community.
- Support the DR Mission Teams with pencils or stickers (of flowers & animals) or a donation toward a food basket for a family.
- Give some time to help organize and put on a Christmas Breakfast at our local public high school, Kipling Collegiate, on Dec. 19th.
May God bless you and others through you, as you live generously and give generously this Christmas and throughout the year!