Giving is a discipline that breaks the back of materialism. The tighter we try to hang on to things, it seems, the more they slip out of our hands. This is true for relationships and it is true for our money. If we are controlling in our relationships, we drive others away and if we are too focused on hanging onto our money, we will be so anxious about losing it that we will not enjoy the benefits it is designed to produce.
The Macedonians were commended by Paul for their giving (2 Corinthians 8 and 9) and implies that they first gave themselves to God (Romans 12:1). When we are poor in spirit (depressed) we would do well to look outside ourselves. Other times when we are so focused on getting all that we think we deserve or are entitled to we find that there is never enough to satisfy.
When we have our priorities right– God/ Jesus first – then we will find that the following is true:
Phil 4:19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Psalm 112:3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
2 Corinthians 6-8 Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Giving a part is easy when you have already given the whole.
The Macedonians were commended by Paul for their giving (2 Corinthians 8 and 9) and implies that they first gave themselves to God (Romans 12:1). When we are poor in spirit (depressed) we would do well to look outside ourselves. Other times when we are so focused on getting all that we think we deserve or are entitled to we find that there is never enough to satisfy.
When we have our priorities right– God/ Jesus first – then we will find that the following is true:
Phil 4:19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Psalm 112:3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
2 Corinthians 6-8 Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Giving a part is easy when you have already given the whole.
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