Giving – What you should never do

I am a giver. All my life I have loved giving. Time, money, worldly possessions – it really didn’t matter.

My family for years have been confused as to why I love to give so much. We grew up poor and we still aren’t what the world would consider rich, but I always said that ‘giving’ was the fruit of the spirit I was blessed with.

It took me many years though to learn a valuable lesson. God blessed me with the spirit of giving the little I had, but if I didn’t prayerfully seek his guidance on discerning who and what I give then it would cause me more issues than good.

“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighborʼs hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion— and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6:1-5‬

There were many times that I promised someone I would lend them money or one of my possessions and as soon as I stated it I felt my spirit groaning. I knew I was in trouble and sure enough it came to past. I have suffered many times trying to do things by my own will and understanding.

Foolish!

But how assuring it is to know that we serve a God who sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be a surety for us.

My giving now is directed through prayer. If you have been blessed with the spirit of giving seek God’s direction and discernment on your gift.

Food for thought: All Creation is God’s. We were created as stewards on this earth. All that we have been giving is from God. It is not ours to hoard and keep just for ourselves. Seek Christ guidance and discernment on who you should give to show HIS love and light.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank you for blessing me richly and granting me a spirit and desire to bless others. I pray that all will see and know that all we have been giving comes from you. The more you give us is the more you require from us to show your love and shine your light to the world. In Jesus name. Amen