In my previous entry in the “Devotions” series I wrote about desires that Christians should have such as a desire for God’s Word. One I did not mention in that article, although very important, is that a Christian should have a desire to give.
First off, I want to mention a very important point. A devotion on giving would be greatly lacking without the mention of the greatest gift of all: Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
There are many different ways that a Christian can give to the work of the Lord. Quite often when the term “give” is used, people automatically think of giving monetarily. While giving monetarily is important to the work of the church, there are many other important ways that a Christian can give.
For instance, a Christian can give their time. Maybe they take time out of their busy week to visit those members who are shut-in. Maybe they take time to give an encouraging word to other members or simply someone they meet while shopping. Maybe they sit with the family of someone who is really sick.
Christians can also give by sharing God’s Word with others. Sharing the Bible with someone may possibly be the most life-changing gift anyone can give them (if they choose to obey the Lord).
Christians can also give by praying for others. Everyone needs prayer: soldiers who are scattered abroad; family who has lost a loved one; children who are going away from home for the first time; a mother and father with a newborn baby – the list is endless.
Here are a couple of scriptures dealing with giving:
- Acts 2:45: “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
- 1st Corinthians 16:2: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
- Galatians 1:3-5: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Related topics and words which may be useful in study: provide, sacrifice, servant, service, servant hood, Christ
Christians should always have a generous, giving heart and attitude toward others, especially to other members of the church. Christians should look for ways to share the gifts that they have with others, whether it be their money, their time, their love, or anything else.
All Scripture reference is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
Related Articles: