- by Howard Dayton
- Blog, Eternity, Giving, Giving to the Poor
Gifts obviously benefit the recipient. The church continues its ministry, the hungry are fed, and missionaries are sent. But from God’s point of view generosity is more important for the giver than the recipient. “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).
1. An increase in intimacy
Above all else, giving draws our heart to Christ.Matthew 6:21says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When you give to Christ and His work as a way of expressing your love for Him, it draws your heart closer to Him. And nothing on this planet is more important that knowing Jesus well.
2. An increase in character
Our heavenly Father wants us to conform to the image of His Son. The character of Christ is that of an unselfish giver. Unfortunately, humans are selfish by nature. One way we become conformed to Christ is by regular giving. Someone once said, “Giving is not God’s way of raising money; it is God’s way of raising people into the likeness of His Son.”
3. An increase in heaven
Matthew 6:20reads, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.” The Lord tells us that heaven has its own “First National Bank,” where we can invest for eternity.
Paul wrote, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17). Each of us has an account in heaven that we will be able to enjoy for eternity. And although we “can’t take it with us when we die,” we can make deposits to our heavenly account before we die.
4. An increase on earth
Many people have a hard time believing that giving can result in material blessings flowing back to the giver. However, we encounter that very principle in the pages of Scripture. ConsiderProverbs 11:24-25: “There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”
One reason the Lord reveals that we can anticipate such an increase is because He wants us to recognize that He is behind it. God has chosen to be invisible, but He wants us to experience His reality.
When we give, we should do so with a sense of expectation—anticipating an increase from the Lord even though we have no idea how or when He may choose to provide it. Our experience has shown Him to be very creative! Remember, givers experience the advantages of giving only when they give cheerfully and with love—not when the motive is just to get.
Warmly in Christ,
Howard
Antonio GirleyDecember 17, 2022
Love your Ministry Concept
BlessingsReply
- Melody Stampley
December 19, 2022
Thank you for reading, Antonio. Merry Christmas!
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December 26, 2022
Been blessed by learning all those benefits of giving. Thanks for sharing
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- Melody Stampley
December 26, 2022
We are glad to hear and give glory to God. Thank you for reading. God bless you and yours in the New Year.
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December 28, 2022
I was taught that scripture at an early age and learned from my momma and granny!
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- Melody Stampley
December 28, 2022
Sounds like you were blessed with a wise mother and grandmother.
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February 5, 2023
Amen! This was an encouraging read. I have been giving by sowing into the kingdom of God with my time. I have definitely noticed the blessings pouring into my life.
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- Melody Stampley
February 7, 2023
Thank you for reading, Jennifer! May God continue to bless you for being obedient to His Word.
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- Holly Lowis
April 20, 2023
What insight and revelation! I felt as though a door opened in my mind and spirit to see truth and blessings straight from God himself. Thank you for being willing to put it out there for all of us to read and take it. Truly when we see the Lord as He is…. We will know He is always good! God bless you 1000 fold in Jesus name!
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- Brian Holtz
April 21, 2023
Thank you for your kind words and abundant blessings!
Brian
Compass-finances God’s wayReply
- Blessings Magomero
April 29, 2023
This so beautiful. I wish you don’t mind if I use this in my preaching this coming Sunday. It opened my understanding of giving and I believe it do the same to my Audience. Good job Howard
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- Melody Stampley
May 1, 2023
Thank you for reading and sharing, Blessings. May your congregation be moved by the Holy Spirit as you continue to preach the Word of God.
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- Sharlynn Smith
October 2, 2023
This was so helpful ! I now believe I can convey it more clearly to my Sunday school class of kindergarten through 6th grade class. We are studying this concept right now. Thank you!
Sharlynn
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- Melody Stampley
October 10, 2023
That sounds wonderful, Sharlynn! It’s a great idea to teach this principle when they’re young. Thanks for reading, and may you be showered with double blessings for having a heart to teach.
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- Esther Gonga
November 18, 2023
I’m so blessed 😇 to come across this platform and I am blessed with this message because I’ve been a lover in giving for the things of God and in the life of other people. I’m blessed with this message because I’m running an organization for the less privileged people and single mother’s, homeless, widows and many more as God’s is permitted.
Thank you so much for this message and it will help to share it with my partners for them to be motivated in the area of giving and supporting the less privileged people.God blessings to you!
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- Melody Stampley
November 20, 2023
Thank you, Esther, for your kind words. May God bless your organization and provide for your every need as you serve your community in this inspiring way!
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Antonio Girley
Melody Stampley
Holly Lowis
Brian Holtz
Blessings Magomero
Sharlynn Smith
Esther GongaLeave a Reply
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