Daily Journal: 30 August

Developing the Character of a Giver

Compassion is at the heart of a giver. Understanding, insight and selflessness are what develops the character of a giver.

Galatians 6:9-10

(NCV) We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.

This admonition reminds me the harvest that the bible speaks about in living the lifestyle Jesus taught to help others is not for blessings given on earth in return for good works. Developing the character of a giver comes from understanding the lifestyle of righteousness, for the sake of each other, in light of eternal life.

The apostle Paul wrote:

Acts 20:34-35 (NASB)

You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Learning to have the heart of a giver develops character in choosing to work hard, see the needs around us, help others, understand others’ weaknesses with compassion and pour ourselves out for righteousness’ sake, being led by the Spirit of God.  

Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

… whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

In a world that wants to store up riches on earth, and thinks life is all about ‘me’, the bible teaches the opposite.

James 1:27 (NLT)

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

Righteous living isn’t about rules, nor is it about being unaffected by quality of life on earth, but is about remembering the more important virtue of giving of self over receiving for self.