Being generous is often overlooked as one of the greatest attributes of a human being. Achievement and status are the measures of our culture. Being truly generous involves self sacrifice and giving to make a difference. But sometimes I wonder why I should give. I wonder, will it really make a difference?

I imagine there are times where you weren’t sure why you should give either. We think it’s usually just a small amount of time or money and the world is so big, the problems and challenges so daunting. The truth is we can all make a difference.

Go to www.GenerousGiving.org to watch stories of inspiration, meaning and hope on giving. Or visit www.ilikegiving.org to watch more stories like… I Like My Dad. Or take the 3 Day Giving Experience.

 

God’s word, the Bible also gives us the foundation to build generosity into our lives.

Everyone can become more generous by understanding 7 reasons we should give. Don’t miss out on opportunities to serve and help others.

1            Giving is a heart issue.

Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

Mathew 6:21

The true message of giving is the liberation of hearts from materialism. The resources given are just a by-product of the power of generosity in the givers heart.

2            God Gave First

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son…

John 3:16

 

God is the ultimate model of generosity. He is the most generous giver of all.  In Corinthians we’re given the origin and result of our generosity.

Your plenty will supply what they need.

2 Corinthians 8:14

 

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.

2 Corinthians 9:11

God’s giving is like the filing of a cup. Our giving to others reveals the cup running over.

 

3            God Owns It All

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

Psalm 24:1

 

4            I’m His money manager.

It is required of a steward that he be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2

 

5            Seek First the Kingdom of God

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Mathew 6:33

 

6            Heaven, not earth is my home

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

 

Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven…

Mathew 6:20

 

7            Giving brings joy

…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 20:35

 

Joy is experienced in the act of giving, but even more in the alignment of your heart with God’s will.

 

Try applying generosity over the next 3 days. Take a new approach to giving and begin a new measurement of your impact on the world around you. Invest in the lives of others with your time and your treasure. The value of your life isn’t determined by how much you achieve or accumulate, but by how much of your life you give away. So share with others and give. Everyone benefits.

Imagine what could be achieved if … everyone became more generous by understanding 7 key reasons we should give. Envision new opportunities presenting themselves to you and of being open and willing to share.

If you’re going to be more generous, you must take responsibility for it. Pre-decide. No one is going to do it for you. It’s not a felt need like food, clothing, shelter. But it’s a fulfilling need – at the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Choose generosity and watch as the longer you live the more you have to give.

 

Attitude            What’s your attitude towards giving?

 

Action                Be generous. Share this post!

 

Question          What motivates or excites you about giving to help others?