In this Christimas season, we often hear (or perhaps we used to hear it more, haha) the saying, "It is more blessed to give than receive." That's from the Bible, by the way. Acts 20:35, to be exact. Admittedly, I always thought it was a nice, fluffy thing to say when I was younger, but is it? IT IS.
How exactly does a return come to the giver. Aside, from the nice feeling you may get from helping someone less fortunate, I thought it would be fun to jot down some of the more tangible blessings of giving.
They include:
*Favor, from God and man. Giving honors Proverbs 3:3-4, so you get favor from "God and man" as that verse indicates. Even pursusing righteousness by caring for your pets (Proverbs 12:10), provides favor from God according to Proverbs 21:3.
*Perhaps, like me, your eyes may be opened, to character issues or a trait you may be weak on that could help you materially, if addressed.
*Kindness to the poor makes God your debtor, as Proverbs 19:17 notes, and He will repay you for your good deed. Good deeds don't save your soul, but God will repay you.
*A recent offering I made, saved me money as the Lord led me to a less expensive but more effective choice in business.
*Giving can be returned by receiving insight about some assets that you aren't using or forgot about, a comforter for your bed or a crock pot, you received as gifts but never opened, for example.
*Or insight again, about an unused item that can be sold, if not used or needed. Perhaps, you realize those old dumbbell weights could be sold at a place like Play-It Again Sports, without being missed.
*Perhaps, your previously closed mind, may be humbled or opened to new options or closed to unprofitable ones you may be currently pursuing.
*Customers you didn't have before, suddenly show up.
*Maybe, you suddenly, easily lose a few of those stubborn lbs (empowered by God), and the return is feeling better about yourself or saving money on, buying some new clothes.
The Word tells us that the return on giving can be enhanced--by being cheerful (II Corinthians 9:7) or praising God (Psalm 100:4). It can be shriveled by murmuring or complaining against God. I know I've done it. It can delay your blessing. The Lord said of the children of Israel in Numbers 14:34-35, "According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know my rejection. I, the Lord, have spoken this. I will surely do so to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die."
Every so often, I've hear folks get down on giving....saying "the Bible doesn't work," "that used to work but recently not so much." Big time, caution though....murmuring is hated by God. It is yet another reason we need to fear Him, and not presume on His grace. As noted previously, the children of Israel had to wander 40 years in the wilderness because of it.
Well, I have kind of "preached myself happy", as Kenneth Copeland says, by writing this message because I realize the true power in giving....and the different forms God gives back to you when you give.
Originally written 12/24/2013.
