The gift of giving, like the gift of ministry, is another gift that everyone is happy to have around. The people who are blessed with this gift recognize that all they have is from the Lord and, therefore, have the supernatural ability to hold it loosely and to share it gladly. Oftentimes (though definitely not always), those who are gifted with giving have been given much by the Lord, and they are cognizant of how they can use it to bless His body.
Not only do they give, but they give with liberality!
They give and give and give.
Let me commence with a couple of thoughts on the gift of giving.
Giving Freely
First, the possessor of this gift freely gives. To freely give means that you give without expecting anything in return. Givers don’t need their names posted anywhere or don’t need to be granted voting power on the board of a church, for example. Barnhouse once said, “Let there be no alloy of self-seeking in the coin of our gift.” These givers see God’s blessings in their lives as a means to bless others, therefore, the self-seeking thought is never present in their altruistic gift.
Giving Gladly
Second, the possessor of this gift gladly gives. To gladly give means that their hands have no claws. No claws to grip their gift tighter and no claws to harm the receiver of the gift, if it isn’t received correctly. They are happy to give of what they have (even if it isn’t much) and then move on, knowing that what they gave they gave as unto the Lord even if the receiver didn’t act like the Lord in receiving it.
Giving Appropriately
Third, the possessor of this gift appropriately gives. To appropriately give means that they can bless without causing a mess. They give, but they don’t spoil. Their gift will aid in the furthering of the Gospel by their faithful tithe to their church or the support they give to missionaries. Their gift is never “just throwing money” at a problem. Their gift helps, it doesn’t hurt.
As with all the gifts, the best example is found in Christ!
If ever one was generous, it was Him! He, quite literally, had it all and He freely, gladly and appropriately gave everything He had for the benefit of us all!
Let me wrap up with two concluding thoughts on giving:
- May we all look at what God has given to us and ask how we can use that to bless the Body of Christ. Whether you have a lot or a little, remember that it is all God’s.
- Thank you to all the givers! You are such a blessing to His kingdom!
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8 ESV)
This is part of a series of articles about spiritual gifts. Click below to read more as they’re published.
