The Heart of God: Giving

"If [God] has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that." - Frances Hodgson Burnett

As we enter into the holiday season, I have begun to hear the murmur of gift-giving stress.

"What am I going to buy her?"

"He's so hard to shop for!"

"I'm not sure that I have enough money to give gifts this year."

"What she wants is way too expensive."

"I just want his gift to be perfect!"

"He gave me something. Now I have to give him something."

I hate the fact that something that is supposed to be heart-warming and done with love has now become a task that we do less than cheerfully, if not resentfully. Many Christians have their own (strong) opinions on gift-giving.

"Santa is a great tradition, as long as it doesn't distract from the true meaning of Christmas."

"Santa is a demonic practice in which we teach children that lying is okay."

"Excessive gift-giving creates spoiled, entitled children that aren't thankful for anything."

"I have the money to buy my kids lots of gifts. Why not?"

"Christmas trees are a tribute to a pagan fertility God and I refuse to put one in my home."

"Christmas trees are a beautiful thing to put in my living room. They carry many happy memories and traditions."

Brothers and sisters, we all have our own beliefs and personal convictions. However, I do believe that God has a lot to say on the subject of giving. Giving is mentioned 1,043 times in the Bible. Let's read over some scriptures that talk about giving to God and to others.

Every man shall give as he is able. (Deuteronomy 16:17)

He that has two coats, let him to give to one that has none. (Luke 3:11)

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not under compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart. (2 Chronicles 29:9)

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. (Proverbs 3:27)

He who is generous will be blessed. (Proverbs 22:9)

Give, and it will be given unto you. They will pour down into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. (Luke 6:38)

Whether or not it comes naturally for you to give to others, we are called to do so. Our God gave us the Ultimate Gift (His Son) and we are made in His image. However, gift-giving doesn't have to be material items. God asks us to give of our:

time

talents

treasures

I challenge you to find ways to give of your time during this busy season. I know that it is difficult to find time between the holiday parties, craft nights, Christmas plays, and church activities, but please do. Please find time to give to God by resting in Him. Please find time to give to others by serving them.

I challenge you to find ways to give of your talents. God has blessed us all with many talents that we should be glorifying Him with. Are you an amazing singer? Go caroling at your local nursing home. It will bring smiles to faces that may not otherwise feel the Christmas joy this season. Are you a great organizer? Find a charity that is planning for an event and see what you can do to help. Are you great at meeting new people? Go out and evangelize the Gospel!

I challenge you to find ways to give of your treasures. Look, I get it. Money is a difficult thing to talk about and we tend to be stingy with it. Guess what? It's not yours. Did you hear me? The money in your possession is not yours to be stingy with. It is God's money! He gave it to you. (Every good and perfect gift is from above. [James 1:17]) I'm not just talking about tithing. Pray and ask God where He wants you to steward your finances. It could be to the homeless man on the corner, to the family next door that can't afford to buy their children presents, or to your co-worker that is trying to pay off her medical bills.

Beloved, I pray that we long for the heart of God amidst the craziness of this season. God's heart for us is that we would give as freely as He gave. Would you pray with me?

Help us, Lord, to be good stewards of what you have given us. Help us to cheerfully give of our time, talents, and treasures. Give us the heart to give in order to be more like you, instead of giving with the expectation of receiving. Create in us pure hearts, Lord. Help us to stay focused on what is true, noble, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Fuel our desire for Your Spirit to work in us and through us. Cleanse away any impurities and unrighteousness within us. Remind us of the perfect Gift that You gave us. Amen.