The Gift Of Giving
Please open your Bible and read:
(Luke 12:2 – 35)
God faithfully provides the local church with spiritually gifted people who are to minister and serve. Every single one of us falls in that category. When we operate out of our God-given ability, we will be highly motivated to help others. What qualities accompany the gift of giving?
First, we believe that the Lord decides whose needs we are to meet, and we find pleasure in discovering where He wants to use us to answer prayers. Recognition isn?t necessary; giving in secret satisfies us too.
Secondly, we will be good at identifying resources, even ones that were previously overlooked. We long for wise handling of finances to maximize contributions to the Lord?s work. We are cautious givers, who try to make sure our plan matches God?s. Appeals for resources are considered, but we will not be pressured regarding donations -? God directs what we do. We want the gifts we buy to make the recipient feel appreciated. We also practice thriftiness and share what we can no longer use.
Finally, since we recognize that all our resources – great or little – belong to God, we are content to obey Him and give them away. That attitude protects us from the corrupting mindset of selfishness and from resentment over how much the Lord asks us to share. It leads us to tithe faithfully and avoid unnecessary debt. In order to obey God, we rarely hesitate to make sacrifices.
Perhaps generosity is not your bent. God planned that gifted givers would be visible role models for the church. Who do you know that exemplifies these qualities?
About the Author
This article was written by Charles Stanley. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/charles-stanley/
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