GIVING HEARTS ARE BLESSED (1)

“And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is MORE BLESSED to GIVE tan to receive” – Acts 20:35b

GIVING HEARTS are BLESSED hearts: “I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is MORE BLESSED to GIVE than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The Giving Heart is another name for the Generous Heart. Paul’s last charge to Ephesus’ Elders was so critical, he said: “I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (vv.26b-27). Giving is a crucial part of God’s Total counsel!

We need not be rich in worldly terms to demonstrate a large, giving heart. Our Lord Jesus pointed out to His disciples the generosity of a poor widow who put only two small coins in the temple treasury box. He said she gave more than the wealthy because she “out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood” (Mk.12:44b). An open-hearted and generous spirit does not result from great wealth. The poor often give more generously than the wealthy. Generosity doesn’t depend on how much we have, but on the condition of our heart and a willingness to share. Even if we have nothing material to give, our gesture of generosity can be: a simple, sincere heart-felt smile; a hearty “Thank You”; or genuine appreciation and compliment. Our faces should always express God’s generosity that’s in our hearts.

Here are Ways to demonstrate the Giving Heart:

Giving materially: Offering our money or resources to both the church and others is a perfectly scriptural truth (Lk.6:38). Even if we do not have much to give, we can still manifest a heart of generosity like the poor widow who in comparison to others, gave all of the very insignificant amount that she had (Lk.21:1-4). Jesus reckoned that she gave more than all the others.

Encouragement: We can also be generous in our communication. Words are powerful instruments for encouraging, edifying or building others up. It does not take a lot from us to give an uplifting word or compliment to someone who may need to hear it.

Time: Time is a precious resource which we can hesitate to be generous with. However, we can use our time to show love and to serve. This can be through volunteering with a group, creating time to help another out, or sharing fellowship or meals with others.

Sharing Scriptures: Sharing God’s Word with others shows we care about more than their temporary or physical needs but also their eternal salvation. The most valuable thing we can generously share with others is Good News of Jesus Christ.

Thanks-giving: Counting and celebrating our blessings through acts of thanksgiving reinforces the spirit of generosity in us. If we are unsatisfied with our own lives, we are unlikely to be generous toward others. But, if we are thankful for what we are and have, we would be willing to generously share and to celebrate the blessings that others have received; our attitude shifts away from us.

Helping the Needy: Paul testified that he laboured to show the Ephesians to “support the weak” (v.35a). Jesus spoke the Parable of the Samaritan who had compassion on a traveller that was stripped of clothing, beaten, and left half dead alongside the road. A Jewish man and a Levite passed by, but avoided the man. Although Samaritans and Jews despised each other, this Samaritan spent time and money to help the injured man (Lk.10:25-37). No matter the situation, we can help others when the need arises and as the Holy Spirit enables us.

GIVING is LIVING! Giving brings joy not only to the recipients of generosity, but more to the givers. We’re called to a Life of Giving. Even in the Old Covenant, the Israelites generously gave of their time, treasures, and talents (skills) to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35). Let’s trust God to supply all our needs, lean on His Grace of Giving, and reflect His Image as the Greatest Giver and Blesser (Gen.1:28).