Day 18: Do you give freely?
Proverbs 11:24,
“One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.”
Pastor Paul has spoken on several occasions about the economy of God. In particular, the more you give, the more you get. Pastor also notes that you get so you can give, so you can get to give, and we should never end on a get. Some may think this economy only relates to finances; however, it applies to so much more.
One place Christians often misplace their need to give is in relationships with other Christians. Sometimes we think that because we are Christians, and because we go to church and read our Bible and pray, we shouldn’t have to do anything more to invest in our church family. Basically, we should be “all good” if we are simply following Jesus and seeking His will. Although we as Christians have an edge on the rest of the world because we have the Holy Spirit living in us, He can help make our relationships exceptional. However, having a rich church life doesn’t just happen. It requires us to give, so we can get, so we can give. The reason some people seem to have a much better church experience is that some give freely, and some think they give freely. How can you tell the difference?
When we give freely, we do not expect anything in return. To give freely is defined as, “not under the control of another; as one wishes, without restriction or interference and in copious or generous amounts.” If no one says thank you, it’s ok. If no one points out your contribution, it’s ok. If people only seem to take and give nothing in return, it’s ok.
In contrast, when we give not so freely, it stings when no one notices how hard we worked on a project. We feel insulted when someone else gets the credit for our idea in a team setting. It chaps our hide when we give so much, and others give so little.
In the end, those who give freely gain even more, while those who withhold become poor.
Action: What are you giving freely?