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Three lessons giving teaches us

By Allen Teal, chaplain

Rolla Presbyterian Manor

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NIV).

In our society, life can appear to be much more about getting than giving. The words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” can sound more like a fairy tale than truth. We are surrounded by a myriad of ways to get money and build wealth. Those who have learned the blessing of giving find that it repays their generosity great enough to make them enthusiastic about it.

1. Giving Brings Blessings Back to You.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38, ESV)

The Bible does not teach that God will make you rich if you give enough money to him. What it does teach is that God blesses those who give and especially those who give willingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7b says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” In Luke 6:38, we learn that the Lord gives back with the same measure that we use when we give. Generous giving brings generous blessings from God.

2. Your Generosity Will Inspire Others.

Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8b, KJV). On Fathers’ Day, June 22, 2017, 167 consecutive customers at a McDonalds in Scottsburg, Indiana paid the bill for one or more of the cars behind them in line at the drive through. This all happened because one customer chose to pay the bill for a father of four behind her in line.(Retrieved on July 28, 2017, from: http://www.foxnews.com/fooddrink/2017/06/22/mcdonaldscustomers-in-indiana-pay-it-forwardat-drive-thru-167-times-in-row.html).

3. Giving Invests Your Love in Other People and Causes.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21, ESV). You give more than money, things, or time when you are generous. Giving helps you to develop a genuine concern and interest in the person or cause. “You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” (Amy Carmichael).

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