“Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands – all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.” (1)
Gratitude is an overflow of thankfulness that is linked to God’s giving to us. There is a key principle of giving in the scriptures. The principle is this: giving expresses love. Pure loves will showcases submission to the Gospel, which aligns us to God’s will. Much has been given by God and received by us, so out of gratitude we extend kindness to those in need. God’s love is extravagant with us – He first loved us! We in turn love and serve Him, and others. His love for us is unearned, undeserved. He’s given forgiveness, salvation and a rich supply of grace and mercy. When we follow God’s principles in charitable ways we are blessed.
We are all special agents for disbursing charity. When we express our love for others, it brings the best out of us. It is a perfect display of showing genuine concern for the welfare of others. A thankful heart position itself to pour out quantities of benevolence as a flowing channel of God’s blessing. Shoulder to shoulder we stand with eagerness, ready to bless others by supplying some of their needs and enthusiastically supporting God’s work.
God’s glory increases in opportunities for doing good.
We are also given privileges and opportunities to provide aid in ministry. Our grand-daughter is preparing to go on a mission trip to Central America. Her plan is to travel to Belize, and serve others in service projects, children’s programs and camp sports ministry. She understands this is a privilege and she is grateful. We are equally thankful, for the amazing surprise of generous ways in which people have graciously contributed. You can only imagine the excitement in her voice when she shared with us the love and care of people who have given supportive letters, prayers, and monetary gifts. They have come along to help shoulder the financial burden, giving sincerely with a whole heart. We thank you! Our hearts overflow with gratitude to God for making these provisions though you. One peculiar family is to be commended for their gracious gift. The husband is temporary out of work due to medical restrictions, yet the family gave sacrificially far more than they could afford. We’ve been greatly touched by their love, and warm gratitude. They cheerfully gave exceedingly beyond what was anticipated, a reflection of their love and devotion to God.
When gracious favors are extended, this is an answer to the receiver’s prayers and is great cause for thanksgiving. God is glorified by a pure testimony to His goodness by cheerful giving. God promises a wonderful blessing; “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything you may have abundance for every good deed.” (2) God rewards faithfulness with His supply of abundance – so we can continue to give and He is glorified. Enthusiasm can fan those coals in the heart to burn a fire of compassion in the hearts of others to by giving and receiving with gratitude.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. (3)
Lord, Your sacrificial love is the supreme example given to follow in Your foot steps. May I lean to give as You gave, willingly, whole-heartily, everything, even if it means all. I lay my heart before You willing to supply needs to others, as You give opportunities. Amen.
Footnotes:
1. Luke 6:38 gnt (Good News Translation) biblestudytools.com
2. 2 Corinthians 9:8 nas
3. 2 Corinthians 9:15 nas
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