ANYTHING TO GIVE!

A Response to "Anything to Give!"

The Joy of Giving

The Bible teaches that there is joy in the act of giving when it is done with pure motives. Acts 20:35 reminds us of the words of Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This is not a cliché; it is a spiritual truth. Giving is not just an obligation; it is an opportunity. It is not just a duty; it is a delight. When we give with a cheerful heart, we participate in the very nature of God, who is the ultimate Giver. He gave His Son. He gives grace. He gives life. And He invites us to reflect His generosity in our own lives.

The Opportunity of Christmas

It's that time of year again—Christmas, a season that many love. Can you imagine what it would be like without giving being such a major part of it? Christmas is a celebration of the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, given to a world in need. And in response, we give gifts to one another as a reflection of that ultimate gift. But giving during Christmas can become routine or obligatory. We have the opportunity to let the gifts we purchase be an obligatory purchase, or we can choose to give a gift cheerfully. The difference is not in the gift itself but in the heart behind it.

The Attitude That Matters

Paul said, "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." The attitude behind giving really matters. There is a huge difference between buying stuff that you feel obligated to give and intentionally, cheerfully giving something to another person. Grudging giving is hollow. Compelled giving is empty. But cheerful giving is a blessing to the giver and the receiver. When you give cheerfully, you are not just giving a gift; you are giving a piece of your heart. You are giving joy, love, and generosity. And God delights in that.

The Scriptures on Giving

If you need a little boost to your giving attitude this year, meditate on the scriptures. Deuteronomy 15:10 says, "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." Deuteronomy 16:17 says, "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you." Proverbs 3:27 urges, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." Proverbs 11:24-25 declares, "There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered." Proverbs 28:27 says, "He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." Matthew 6:3-4 instructs us to give in secret, and the Father who sees in secret will reward us. Luke 6:30 says, "Give to everyone who asks of you." Luke 6:38 promises, "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over." Second Corinthians 9:6-8 reminds us that he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. James 2:15-16 challenges us to give what is necessary for the body, not just words of comfort.

What You Can Do

If you have been inspired by these Bible verses, dig in further and explore what you can do even with the little that you have. Giving is not about the size of the gift; it is about the heart of the giver. Even a small gift, given with love and joy, can make a great difference to the ones you have blessed. It may be a meal, a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a financial gift. Whatever you have, use it to bless others. You may not be able to give much, but you can give something. And that something, given in faith and love, can have an eternal impact.

Final Reflection

May this coming Christmas bring you joy unspeakable. Not just in receiving gifts, but in giving them. Not just in being blessed, but in being a blessing. The joy of giving is one of the greatest joys we can experience. It connects us to the heart of God, who gave His all for us. So give generously, give cheerfully, give sacrificially. And watch as God pours out His blessings on you in return.

Prayer for a Giving Heart

Lord, give me a giving heart. Help me to give cheerfully, not grudgingly or under compulsion. Help me to see the needs of others and to respond with generosity. Let me not hold back what I have but use it to bless others. I trust that as I give, You will give back to me—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Let this Christmas be a time of joy, not just in receiving, but in giving. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.