Today’s word of the day: “giver.”
n.
- One that gives: a giver of gifts.
- A donor or contributor. Often used in combination: almsgivers.
Earlier today, I was included in a conversation that talked about what the bible verse of Matthew 10:8b means when it says, “Freely you have received, freely give.” The easy answer is the one that says in this verse, Jesus is saying whatever blessings God gives us, we ought to give out to others.
It sounds great in principle, but why is it so hard to give, even when we understand that God has blessed us tremendously with the lives that we live right now? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to that question and none of it should include putting things before God first. (i.e., is it really fair to say that my cable bill needs to be paid before I give to the Lord?) It’s an answer we all need to dig deep down in ourselves and figure out. God didn’t want the joy of life to be limited only to ourselves and the things we share with each other. He wanted us to fully experience the joy of giving HIMSELF to others.
All the things in this life will pass away, including our physical gifts. However, the gift of eternal life will NEVER pass away and is the only thing that will be worth of any value in this life and the next. The next time we give something, we ought to consider the true value of what we’re giving. If we’re giving money to charity, GREAT! But where is it going and more importantly, will it help draw others to eternal life?
What good is it if we feed others physically, but do not feed them spiritually? Feeding the hungry and sheltering the poor are important needs, but the water of life (John 4:14) is infinitely important than what ultimately are temporary needs. The next time we feed the poor, pray for them as they fill their stomachs. The next time we help someone off the streets, pray for them and show them Jesus as they are sheltered in our home.
In other words, don’t just stop there when you give food, money and things. Give Christ too.
-Matt
Christeternal lifegivegiverJohnMatthewmoneypoorpray
What Are We Giving?
June 19, 2008
Calvary
Comments Off on What Are We Giving?
Matt
Today’s word of the day: “giver.”
n.
Earlier today, I was included in a conversation that talked about what the bible verse of Matthew 10:8b means when it says, “Freely you have received, freely give.” The easy answer is the one that says in this verse, Jesus is saying whatever blessings God gives us, we ought to give out to others.
It sounds great in principle, but why is it so hard to give, even when we understand that God has blessed us tremendously with the lives that we live right now? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to that question and none of it should include putting things before God first. (i.e., is it really fair to say that my cable bill needs to be paid before I give to the Lord?) It’s an answer we all need to dig deep down in ourselves and figure out. God didn’t want the joy of life to be limited only to ourselves and the things we share with each other. He wanted us to fully experience the joy of giving HIMSELF to others.
All the things in this life will pass away, including our physical gifts. However, the gift of eternal life will NEVER pass away and is the only thing that will be worth of any value in this life and the next. The next time we give something, we ought to consider the true value of what we’re giving. If we’re giving money to charity, GREAT! But where is it going and more importantly, will it help draw others to eternal life?
What good is it if we feed others physically, but do not feed them spiritually? Feeding the hungry and sheltering the poor are important needs, but the water of life (John 4:14) is infinitely important than what ultimately are temporary needs. The next time we feed the poor, pray for them as they fill their stomachs. The next time we help someone off the streets, pray for them and show them Jesus as they are sheltered in our home.
In other words, don’t just stop there when you give food, money and things. Give Christ too.
-Matt
Share this:
Christeternal lifegivegiverJohnMatthewmoneypoorpray