Pastor Jones and the Christmas of Doom - Part 2

So, as I wrote yesterday, this email shows up in my inbox with this title. "Pastor Jones and the Christmas of Doom."

This got me to thinking about giving, especially the heart of giving.  Giving has a powerful effect on your body, soul and spirit.  It encourages you, it lifts you up and gives you hope.  The more you give, the more you enjoy life.  

But how should we give.  Here are a few thoughts.

Sacifice with joy 

2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

The principle is simple.  Whatever measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  Jesus talks about this when He says, Luke 6:38 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.”

This isn’t Karma.  We don’t believe in that.  The principle is clear.  You choose what you want to receive.  If you sow grief, you will receive grief.  If you give with joy, you will receive joy.  So give and give with a joyful heart.  Not from a self desire for more, but from a unselfish desire to bless others.

Give with generosity - Don't be stingy
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

My thought here is simple.  Be as generous as you desire to be.  But more importantly choose to be a generous as you desire.  Give yourself permission to be generous and it doesn’t have to be with just your money.  It can be with you time, your skills, or your love.

Share with love. - Give with love
1 Cor. 3:3  3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is the key.  Showing love to others is a high calling from Christ.  Sharing your life with generosity is one of the greatest gifts you will ever give.  

As you approach this holiday season, remember.  The greatest give you can give someone is the hope of Christ.  Give generously and with love.  That’s a gift they will never forget.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, teach me to give with all my heart, soul and spirit.  AMEN.