Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about giving.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].
– †2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMP
In this verse, it is made quite clear how God rewards the giver. We are reminded that if we give sparingly, we will also benefit sparingly. Those who give generously will benefit greatly. We also learn the importance of giving in a thoughtful and purposeful manner, not as a ‘transaction’ or under some sort of compulsion or pressure. True giving is that which is cheerful and even ‘matter of fact’, where nothing is asked in return. This is the giving that we read God truly loves.
Do you give ‘freely’ or do you feel at times that you want something in return when you give? Share your experience in the comments.
Let’s have a look at another verse.
Sell your possessions (show compassion) and give to the poor. Provide money belts for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing and inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
– â€Luke 12:33 AMP
In this verse, Jesus explains the importance of giving to the poor. We notice the importance of compassion in the act of giving and forming bonds with one another. He makes reference to the fact that the ‘things’ we accumulate in our lives cannot come with us to heaven. There is nothing wrong with having nice things, but we see in this verse the more important thing is to be compassionate and giving to others.
Would you consider yourself someone who has ‘nice things’? Can you recall a recent interaction where someone was in need and you were able to provide compassion in a way that had nothing to do with your ‘nice things’?
Share with others in the comments.
Let’s look at one last verse.
In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said:
‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’
– Acts 20:35
In this verse, we learn of Jesus’ quote that it is far better to give than to receive. In this version of the scripture, we are also reminded that giving also happens to bring joy.
When was the last time you gave your resources? What were the circumstances? Did you feel joy? Let us know in the comments.
Giving your resources is just one way to give to others in need. If you are feeling unsure of how you can give your resources, I encourage you to ask God. I believe God will point you in the right direction of the opportunities to give.
Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you to give your resources.
Thank you for the opportunity to share encouragement. Here @walkinginstepwithGod we truly appreciate your support. We are fully committed to Christ and the community. We invite you to join us in fellowship and to seek opportunities for fellowship in your local community as well.
