The Joy in Giving
Today’s Verse:
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. ~Isaiah 32:8
A recent news article revealed that one of the richest female philanthropists in the world donated an astounding $2.7M to 286 organizations. While I do not agree philosophically with most of the organizations she donated to, her action falls within the thought of “the liberal deviseth liberal things.” Giving is a major aspect of the Christian life. We must remember that we are most like God when we give like Him. Let us see, this morning, the joy in giving.
There is the promise.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). Even though our giving should be with no strings attached, Jesus promises that we are blessed in proportion to our spirit of giving. Paul reiterated this promise when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” As we step out in giving to the Lord’s work, missions, and special endeavors like church building programs or large evangelistic outreaches, God looks upon our giving with favor. He supplies our need and makes it possible that we are always in a position to be giving.
There is the process.
“The liberal deviseth liberal things.” Giving should be strategic. Giving is not to be haphazard, but with a purpose in mind. We must look at the mission that we are giving towards and be positive in our hearts that we believe that our gift is helping to win the lost, build churches, and reach continents with the gospel. Our giving should be systematic. Paul told the Corinthian church that they were to set aside at the beginning of each week as the Lord hath prospered them. Tithing is the starting point in giving. We set aside the firstfruits, or one tenth, of what the Lord has prospered us. Our giving should be sacrificial. There are times when we are called upon to go beyond what we did in the past. We should do so cheerfully and willingly.
There is the proven.
“...And by liberal things shall he stand.” A person who has a giving spirit proves his generosity and compassion through his giving. He is faithful in his giving. He can be counted on year after year to be a steady and faithful giver. He is fruitful in his giving. His participation results in fruit that abounds to his account: souls that are saved, churches that are started, and preachers that are trained and sent out. This kind of giver is counted on in making sure the work of God is flourishing. I think of a Christian businessman who, for over 60 years, has helped start churches, given money to start bus ministries, backed the start up and maintenance of Bible colleges, and given to much more. This man is an example of “by liberal things shall he stand.” He sees the big picture that, through his giving, the work of God is able to flourish and grow.
There is the praise.
Paul said of the churches of Macedonia, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” In spite of deep poverty, they gave richly through their liberality. There is the praise that God gives to a liberal giver. God acknowledges our giving. We give not to be seen of men, but to honor God. When we honor God, He notices and our joy in giving is multiplied many times over. Don’t be cheap or churlish when it comes to giving. Devise liberal things and let God use you in giving.
Have an abounding God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 146-150