Have you ever needed something? I’m not talking about “need” like many today do. We really don’t need the updated latest greatest cell phone. We want that. No, I’m referring to those basic needs of life: food, clothing, shelter, security. Has there been a point that you felt in a bind for those basic necessities? If you have been through lean times, you can relate to those in need. We all have needs which go beyond the basics. In our culture, many add to the basics things such as sanitation, education, touch, etc.
Wherever you draw the line, as God’s children, we are called to give to others. Solomon in writing his book of wisdom wrote often of this. Proverbs 22:9 says (ESV) “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” Jesus said, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 ESV. Notice that in both in the Old and New Testaments, the principle of generosity is same. Give and you will be blessed. God expects His children to be giving people.
Please don’t misunderstand me. The purpose in giving is not so that God will give back to us. Giving is not a get rich quick scheme! Giving in love is the aim. It is good for us to give. It is the method God established to take care of those in need. He even included it in the national laws of Israel recorded by Moses. However, when we live life God’s way, we are blessed. Those blessings may not always be financial, but blessings of God will flow.
Living a godly life includes giving to others. Let us look for needs and meet them as we go through our lives.
Ramblings by James 