Financial Discipleship - the Bible on Givingনমুনা

Jesus once said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). There are blessings for those who give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). We often limit this verse to its immediate subject, money, but it also applies to the duty of a teacher, provider, and defender. Anyone who knows better, has the experience, but does not share this bit of knowledge with the next person has missed out on a blessing. Anyone who witnesses injustice on the innocent but does not defend, stand up or speak up for the unfairly persecuted has missed out on a blessing. Anyone who does not encourage their friends with kind words when they are down, has missed out on a blessing.

When it comes to matters of the heart, we don’t get fed until we feed others first. It says in James 2:15-16 that it is not good to have the resources to give to someone in need and instead say, “be warm and filled,” while walking away without providing.

Scripture instructs us to share what we have. If you see an opportunity to teach, share your knowledge. Nobody will teach you during the time you need to learn the most, if you don’t first teach. If you have a moment to uplift, share your words of encouragement. Nobody will affirm you if you don’t first affirm. Share your resources if you are asked to give and have the means to. Nobody will give to you when you are in need if you don’t first give.

Everybody wants to be around a person who gives (Proverbs 19:6). Reflecting on Jesus’ time on earth, He spent most of it surrounded by others. When He was just a boy preaching at the temple. When He was sleeping on the boat during a storm, the disciples woke Him. When He fed the 5,000 and the 8,000. When He cast evil spirits out of a woman. When He raised Lazarus from the dead. When He made the blind man see and the man who was crippled, walk.

Why were people so attracted to him? Because He was a giver.

He gave His time. He gave a lending ear. He gave words of wisdom. He gave His parables. He gave healing. He gave mercy and forgiveness. He gave Himself. He gave an example.

So, how should we give? Like Jesus, with priority and purpose. We give to God first (Proverbs 3:9). We provide for and give to our families (1 Timothy 5:8; Mark 7:9-13). We give to the people in the ministry and those who teach to support their calling, their work, and obedience (Galatians 6:6; Nehemiah 12:47). We give as God puts it on our hearts (2 Corinthians 9:7), and we do it at the first opportunity (Ecclesiastes 5:4). We give without recognition because no one else needs to see our heart but God (Matthew 6:1-4).

Let us walk with an open hand. An open hand that gives to meet a need. An open hand that receives. An open hand that grabs hold of another to walk alongside someone who needs a friend.

(excerpt taken from The Bible on Money, Compass-finances God's way, 2022)