The Heart of Giving: A Daily Expression of Love


Imagine a fountain that continuously overflows with fresh, clean water, nourishing every living thing around it. The fountain doesn’t ask for anything in return—it simply gives because it has been filled to overflow. This is the essence of giving: a natural outpouring of love, not for personal gain, but to meet the needs of others.

Why Do We Give?

Giving is a privilege and a divine opportunity to bless others. It is not about showcasing superiority but about expressing God’s love. When we give, we align with God’s nature, for He is the ultimate giver:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

God gave out of love, not obligation. Similarly, our giving should stem from love, not from a desire to receive something in return or to gain recognition.

Who Truly Benefits from Giving?

When we give, we often think we are helping someone else. But in truth, giving benefits the giver as much as the receiver. The Bible reminds us:
"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Each time we give, we are sowing seeds of kindness, love, and faith. We should be thankful to God that we are in a position to give, recognizing that the ultimate receiver is God Himself. Jesus said,
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

When we give to others, we give to God. Therefore, our giving should come with a heart of gratitude, not superiority.

The Misconceptions About Giving

  1. Giving Only in Church or Special Meetings
    Some people limit their giving to Sunday services or during special fundraising events. However, the Bible encourages us to be generous daily. Proverbs 3:27 says:
    "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."

  2. Giving Only for Recognition or Returns
    True giving expects nothing in return. Jesus teaches us in Luke 6:35:
    "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great."

  3. Prioritizing Projects Over People
    While giving to church projects or gospel work is important, it should not overshadow the need to support those in financial or emotional distress. James 2:15-16 highlights this:
    "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

A Story of Giving

A little boy walked into a bakery, holding a single coin. He wanted to buy a loaf of bread for his family, but the baker informed him that his money wasn’t enough. A kind stranger overheard the conversation and paid for the bread.

The boy smiled and said, “Thank you!”

The stranger replied, “No, thank you for letting me help. You’ve reminded me of how much I’ve been blessed.”

This is the heart of giving—gratitude flows in both directions, and God is glorified.

How Should We Give?

  1. Daily Giving
    Giving should not be restricted to seasons or occasions. Every day presents an opportunity to meet someone’s need, whether through money, time, or encouragement.

  2. Give Out of Love
    Paul writes:
    "If I give all I possess to the poor but do not have love, I gain nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:3).
    Our giving should reflect God’s love and compassion.

  3. Give Cheerfully
    "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 9:7).

  4. Give in Secret
    Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:3-4:
    "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."

Why Give?

  • Giving Reflects God’s Love:
    Just as God gave us His Son, we reflect His love when we give to others.

  • Giving Changes Lives:
    A small act of kindness can make a significant impact on someone’s life.

  • Giving Draws Us Closer to God:
    When we give, we participate in God’s work, growing in faith and love.

Conclusion

Giving is not about how much you have or what you expect in return; it’s about a heart willing to bless others. As we give to meet the needs of others, we demonstrate God’s love in action. Let’s embrace the privilege of giving with gratitude and joy, knowing that through our generosity, God’s light shines brighter in the world.

"Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8).

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