The Heart of a Giver
The holidays are upon us, and like you, many of us are scrambling to purchase last minute gifts for family and friends. At Curt Landry Ministries we believe in not only giving a gift to give it, but choosing items for that loved one that have lasting and meaningful value.
Let’s take a look at what the Word says in regards to giving…
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.”—Deuteronomy 16.17
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.”—Proverbs 3.27
“There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”—Proverbs 11.24-25
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”—Proverbs 22.9
“He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.”—Proverbs 28.27
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts ’if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’”—Malachi 3.10
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”—Matthew 6.3-4
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”—Luke 6.38
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”—John 3.16
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”—Acts 20.35
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”—Romans 12.6-8
“But this I say: ‘He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”—2 Corinthians 9.6-8
“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”—James 2.15-16
As we prepare for this year of abundance, we encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas where you can sow into the lives of others. May we remind you that this can be more than just a financial seed sown? Sowing your time, gifts, and talents are also vastly needed in the Body of Christ. Ask the Lord to open doors where you can contribute in ways that bring joy to others and to yourself, as well!
Lastly, remember to give out of the JOY of your abundance. So many times we can get so wrapped up in the needs of others that we take on a savior mentality—trying to meet too many needs with limited resources. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom with regard to sharing and giving to others. If He is asking you to say no, remind yourself that He is the ultimate provider. Teach and encourage others to pray for their needs, allowing God to sow into their lives when the time is right—which will ultimately release the fullness of what He is purposing for them… and for you, too.