The Christian Life is a Giving Life

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7–8, NIV

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NIV)

The Christian life is a giving life. This is the direct opposite of what the world dictates to us in order to be happy. Most of the messages of the world are directed at self-consuming activities saying you need to have certain possessions and experiences in order to be fulfilled. These messages tend to make us “getters” instead of “givers.”

When we speak of giving, we are not talking about just money.

We have the 3 Ts: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Time and talent are just as important as any treasure we might have. God loving the cheerful giver is a statement of God’s action. By giving, believers place themselves in the position where God, subject to his sovereignty, can bless abundantly in ways beyond how we could ever think or imagine. Giving is the major gateway for God to work in the life of the believer.

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (John 6:27, ESV)

By giving our time, talent, and treasure, we are converting the perishable into the imperishable eternal values of God that will echo into eternity. Instead of just “getting” in this world, we must focus more on “giving” or “investing” in those endeavors that will echo into eternity.

Today, ask yourself:

Am I taking the necessary steps in my life to become a giver instead of just being a getter?