Flourish in Giving – Giving to Others

     In our Flourish in Giving study, we have learned that we must first give ourselves to God (submit wholly to His word and way); when we do that we begin to understand all that He has done and continues to do for us and our hearts will be tuned to give thanks to God for everything. We will also be ready to give God all the glory He so rightly deserves, and any praise we receive we will redirect to Him, because we know that all we have and all we are capable of is due to His generous blessings.

    Over the past few weeks we had a small side study in which we learned what not to give: place to the devil, heed to fables/doctrines of men, and offense to others for the gospel’s sake.

    Now, let’s return to our main theme and consider another area in which we can flourish in giving – Give to Others.

    As we run this race, we are not to think only of ourselves; we must also give time and thought to others (Philippians 2:3-4). God established the church so that we would have others of like precious faith who would help us flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22); people who would love us, warn us, and edify us as we overcome obstacles in our run toward the goal (Philippians 3:12-16). If we are going to do these things for our brethren we need to give time to them.

Give Time to Others

    We are supposed to be a support to one another. That means not only acknowledging one another in the assemblies but listening for opportunities to offer help or comfort. We are to bear one another’s burdens – doing this fulfills the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) – we go through the trial and endure it together; we help carry the weight of the trouble.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV)  

    There’s a saying, "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow," and I will venture to say that it may have been based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:26. We need to take time to look (and listen) for opportunities to help others, we need to take the time to sit with our sisters in Christ and hear them, so we can better learn from them (consider Titus 2:3-5), encourage/support them, and/or help them with tasks that an extra set of hands would make easier. Let them know that you are here for them, whatever the need, and that you have time for them; in doing so, you will fulfil the law of Christ and discover the blessedness of helping! Remembering that in our turn, we should also lean on others so they, too, can discover the blessedness of helping!

    Take time to read Hebrews 3:12-14 and consider Ephesians 4:25, 29-32. We have Today – how will you use those 960 waking minutes?

Give Physical Needs

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifice God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16 NKJV)

    The very first Christians shared with one another so everyone had what they needed (Acts 4:32-37), and throughout the New Testament you see several accounts in which people give to help those in need, for example: Dorcas/Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41), Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37), the Macedonian brethren (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Read and consider: Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Matthew 5:42, 10:42, 25:34-46, Romans 12:13, 20, Galatians 6:9-10

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” (1 John 3:17-19 NKJV)

    The widow gave “out of her poverty” (Mark 12:41-44), and the Corinthians brethren gave “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) – because they first gave themselves to God, they trusted Him, and were thankful for the opportunity to give!

Give Generously

    God gives generously to us (Psalm 68:19) so that we can give generously to others (Romans 12:8)! He gives us so much comfort in our troubles that we have more than enough to then comfort others in their troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). He is also able to make all grace abound toward us, so that we always have all sufficiency in all things, and have abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)! God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) – not clinging to our money/possessions, but clinging to Him, knowing all that we have is from Him; we are simply stewards with a responsibility to use these things for good (1 Peter 4:7-11).

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV)  

    We are all rich in blessings! You have time, use it for good – be a helper to those who run this race alongside you. When you have provisions, share them when you see a need. When you tune your heart to give to others God will grant you both opportunity and wherewithal to do just that! Give yourself to Him first, then to the work, and you will soon discover the joy and fulfillment of building up another person and fortifying a fellow soul! Your heart will overflow as you comprehend just how much God grants you each day, and the absolute truth of His promises! Soon you will give thanks to Him in everything, and willingly give Him the glory for all you are able to do!

    Are you ready and willing to give to others?

You can do it! So can I!!