Daily Journal: 16 May

Giving Significantly

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

What makes a real significance? What makes significance that lasts?

If we learn not to measure significance in terms of wealth, position or power, might we instead measure it in terms of kindness, grace, and mercy? Might we measure it in how well we are able to show understanding and produce wisdom? Real significance, significance that lasts, could better be measured in how well we read and receive others and are able to pour goodness into their lives.

2 Corinthians 8:2 (AMP)

for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity.

It isn’t necessarily what we do but the way we do it that makes something significant. It isn’t necessarily what we say but the way we say it that makes it meaningful. It isn’t necessarily how much we give, but when we give, and with what heart we give, that makes it valuable.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NCV)

Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily.

Giving significantly need not be a burden to us, but a joy, even if it is a sacrifice. What we give out of, as believers, is God’s riches. Whether it’s material things, emotional energy, wise counsel, acts of service, or anything else, giving out of His hand rather than our own enables us to give freely. When we give out of His hand we don’t expect anything back, we give with a joyful spirit. In that joyful freedom, others can receive with freedom and glorify God.