Giving to others is fun when done with the right heart under the direction of the Holy Spirit of God. It is fun when you give. It is really fun when you are in need and the recipient of the gift. Consider this personal story drawn from my soon to be released book, Unlocking the Giver’s Heart.

 A Surprise in the Mailbox

During my first pastorate in Northeast Tennessee, money was tight to say the least. Pat needed some dental work and the costs were high. Going to the mailbox one day, Pat received a note from a friend. To Pat’s surprise, here is what the note said, “The Lord impressed upon me to send a check to you. I don’t know why and I’m sorry for not sending it sooner.” She did not know our specific need, but she gave as our Lord directed.

There are several key passages of Scripture that speak to the blessing of giving to others. Here are a few.

Proverbs 3:28: Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.

Acts 2:44-45: Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

Acts 4:32-35: Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

One of the blessings of knowing where you are financially is the ability to give. When we do, we are channels of the blessings of God. He gives to us. We save a little, we spend as we have needs, and we give some away. That is God’s way.