Love Through Giving
ICS Daily Devotions
John 3:16 (NKJV) 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.
Love has a corresponding action, which is giving—of oneself or giving something that will cost us. God has given us His best in the form of His only begotten Son, Jesus—a priceless gift to mankind—who was made sin for us so that His blood could redeem us from the penalty of sin. God gave His best, so we should not give Him anything less. Also, we are to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Therefore, we must not just give lip service when we say we love someone in need but follow up with giving (1 John 3:17-18).
When we follow God, He will tell us what He wants us to do. The best way to overcome the struggle to give is to deny ourselves and yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Giving also helps us rely on God’s provision, continuously acknowledging that Jesus is our provider and we are faithful stewards of His money.
2 Corinthian 9:8,10 (NKJV) 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.…Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
God can make all grace abound toward us. Grace is an enablement, an ease that comes over us. It may also manifest as a favour with men, or business acumen, and the ability to generate wealth. Through all of this, we will have enough to give and continue to sow into His work. Therefore, we give not out of lack but out of abundance, which means we can give after ensuring our family is provided for.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV) But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
Like the people in Corinth, we may have acquired much knowledge of the Bible, grown in our faith, and been diligent in our work, but God also wants us to abound in the grace to give. Every time God impresses upon our hearts to give, it is an opportunity to trust Him rather than the money we have and a reminder that we are stewards of what He has given us. It is also an opportunity to express our love to God and others, deny ourselves, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus in His love for people through giving. Giving becomes easier once we are used to giving and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, eventually developing into a lifestyle. We will also experience God’s provision and blessings when we give. When we have tasted the goodness of God through His provision, we will not fear when facing financial challenges. This will give us peace while we wait for our prayers to be answered, whether concerning a job, business contract, or navigating an economic downturn because our trust is in God.
Sermon Series: Money – The truth shall set you free!
