No one can argue against how important generosity is in the Christian life. The Bible teaches that all God’s people are expected to give freely to others. Today when you speak of giving, people automatically think about financial giving. Which of course is important but it is not the only giving we are called to do. In reality, Christians have so much more to offer the world than just money.
Deuteronomy 16:17 (ESV)
17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.
2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (ESV)
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Proverbs 21:26 (ESV)
26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
This financial mindset associated with giving has caused a couple of major issues in the church. Either people believe they can’t offer any help because they do not have the money to give. Or they believe that since they support various ministries financially they are doing enough. Both of these mindsets could not be further from the truth.
The Book of Acts gives us a great lesson on how to give without money. When the Apostle Peter encountered the lame beggar he had no money to offer him. But what he did have to give was far more valuable than money.
Acts 3:6–7 (ESV)
6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
While Peter was unable to help the man financially, we can all agree what he did give was greater than any amount of money. This act of giving was not something that Peter came up with on his own. He was just following the instructions that Jesus had given to the Apostles back in Matthew chapter 10.
Matthew 10:8 (ESV)
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
There will be times when many of us find ourselves in a place where we are unable to offer financial support. Sometimes monetary giving may not even be the best option. No matter what the circumstances are, we can always offer prayer freely to those in need. Which is something every Christian should be quick to do as scripture implies.
James 5:16 (ESV)
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV)
2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
Like prayer we should also be willing to freely give our faith to those in need. Every Christian is called to share the gospel and by doing so we are acting in generosity. In fact, this gift is going to do more in a person’s life than any amount of money ever could. By simply sharing our faith we are setting up someone else to receive the greatest gifts one can ever receive. Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and joy unspeakable are all gifts from God that cost us nothing. In order to give these gifts all we must do is take a moment to share the word. Because as the Bible teaches faith comes by hearing the word of God.
1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Giving can also come from whatever excess we may have. Jesus taught that if we have more clothing than we need, we should offer our extra items to someone who has none. On top of that, He said we should also be willing to share the food from our own tables with those who do not have food of their own.
Luke 3:11 (ESV)
11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”
Sadly, this form of giving has become less prevalent in our culture. Many chose to sell unused clothing instead of offering it freely to those they know are in need. And even fewer people are willing to invite the hungry in to their homes to share a meal. Even these are the things we as Christians should be doing if the love of the Father is truly in us. At least according to the Bible.
1 John 3:17 (ESV)
17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
Time is possibly seen as even more valuable than money to some. Time is also something we should be willing to give. Whether you offer your time to an individual or to the church, it one of the greatest gifts you can offer. Donating your time can be done in various ways. But to get the most out of your donation of time, offer it with whatever gifts God has blessed you with. Just as Peter instructs us to do.
1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Each of the ways mentioned above are great ways to give if you are unable to offer financial support. But even when you have the ability to give money, you should still give in these other ways. Because financial giving is just taking the easy way out. Giving from your income, while important, doesn’t require you to do anything. I mean you can even give to churches and other organizations without leaving your house. But when you offer prayer, faith, personal belongings, or time it causes you to really do something. Which causes your giving to take on a deeper meaning.
If you have the ability to give financially, even if it is the smallest amount, then please do. For two reasons, one because we are instructed to give a portion of our intake to the Lord. Also, because churches and other ministries need your support in order to complete the mission God has placed on their heart. Many truly cannot do it without the support of fellow believers. Just don’t allow yourself to become complacent and find yourself only giving financially. Because as you have seen there truly is so much more to being a generous Christian than just being able to give some money.
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