Giving to others

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth-(1 John 3:17-18).

For the past several months the verse above has been playing over and over again in my mind. Recently, David and I have made a commitment to give more to others. While we have always been giving people we want to give more and show others the love of Christ to others through giving. We want to give to others not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year.

I have seen many people who refuse to give to those in need because they are judgemental about why the person is in need.  The Bible does not say to give to those who are deserving, it says to give to those who you see that are in need.

Additional verses to consider:

  • And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased- (Hebrews 13:16).
  • Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver- (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
  • Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also- (Matthew 6:19-21).
  • But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you- (Matthew 6:3-43).

The word of God makes it clear that we are to help others who are in need. We are to help with a spirit of love and cheerfulness. We are to help and not boost of what we have done. I have found that giving to others does bring me peace and joy.


Tags: , ,

Comments are closed.