By Jerry Smith, Signal Hill Foundation Director
Giving is a powerful element in each one of us. If we can overcome the natural, from-birth, tendency toward self-centeredness and selfishness we will tap into a great life principle.
The basic word for “give,” not counting any other similar forms, is found in 866 verses of the Bible with 937 specific mentions. God gives. He asks us to give. Most of His creation gives. It is a powerful, Biblical, and spiritual principle.
Here are a handful of truths regarding the powerful principle of giving.
1. Everyone can give.
It may be nothing more than a smile, but most people have some thing that they can give. The issue may be learning what you have to give and practicing the giving of it.
2. Giving is the key to receiving.
Jesus said:
“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).
3. Giving releases blessing in, at least, three different directions; toward others, toward God, and toward one’s self (at the same time!).
“Release” could be the operative word here. Many do not receive because they have not released. Notice that the very first word in the previous text is “Give” or “You give, and….” You must start the cycle. You must give by faith first, before you can expect a return. But it does not have to be much. It is a leverage principle.
Jesus said:
“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you , he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).
“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).
4. Giving should be done “properly.”
The Bible talks about giving by “faith” and with a “cheerful heart,” “not grudgingly.”But there is improper giving. We can short circuit the powerful principle of giving if we fail in our attitude and method of input.
5. Giving garners the attention of God.
Jesus noticed the improper giving and attitude of giving by the religious leaders of His day and made mention of a poor widow who gave with a proper attitude. He not only noticed but said that her testimony would live on. He did not say that of the religious leaders.
