Thursday, May 14, 2020
The Gift of Giving
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop” (2 Corinthians 9:6 nlt).
Research has found that it’s actually good for you to do an act of kindness or generosity for someone else. Scientists have discovered that our brains release neurotransmitters that make us feel good when we do good.
Psychologists refer to this as the “helper’s high.”
The Bible tells us there is actually a spiritual gift of giving: “If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously” (Romans 12:8 nlt).
You don't have to be wealthy to have the gift of giving. I know some wealthy people who are very generous and have this gift, but I also know people living on a more moderate income who also have the gift of giving. They’re just always doing things for other people. If you have that gift, then use it for God’s glory.
While it’s true that God has given certain people the gift of giving, it is also true that every Christian should give to the Lord on a regular basis. Have you discovered the joy of giving? Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 nlt).
I’m not saying we should do this for endorphins; rather, we should do this because the Lord has told us to do it.
God makes this amazing promise to the faithful giver: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test’” (Malachi 3:10 nlt).
If we would obey God in this area, it could revolutionize our finances. And it could revolutionize our lives.
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