Philipose Vaidyar
Some like to
give always while some others want to be on the receiving end all the time.
Until it pains you, when you give, you have not given yet. We are concerned here
about Christian Giving.
Being able to give is a greater Blessing:
“In all things, I have shown you that by
working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is
more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Apostle Paul witnesses
this but we don’t see this verse in the gospel. According to the Apostle John,
Jesus had done more good things than what is recorded.
It is blessed to give than to receive.
But when you give, someone receives it. So when you receive it, it is also a blessing.
When you give because of Christian love, give as if unto the Lord without a
string attached to it.
“But when
you give to the needy, do not let
your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees
what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4). But often we would prefer to be acknowledged
and announced (Matthew 6:1-2). If you want the receiver or the one whom you
showed mercy, be accountable to you, and share with you who all showed him kindness,
I assure, your intentions are not right and rather don’t give. The Lord will
take care of him or her. I believe; when
you give to an organization, you may expect a receipt, but when you give to an
individual in his or her personal need, please don’t expect a receipt and
acknowledgment among your friends or others.
Sometimes even a mouse can help a lion! If you are participating in a
crowdfunding or anonymous assistance, please don’t expect a receipt.
“Each one
must give as has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for
God loves a cheerful giver”. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Learn and
practice to share your material blessings with people in need whether they are poorer
than you or even equal with you. Sometime, people who are ‘socially poor’ may
not be economically poorer and on the other hand, those who are ‘socially rich’
may not be economically rich. Whatever be your logic, help a person in need and
it’s a choice.
“Whoever is
generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed”. (Proverbs
19:17). You may give your resources, your
facilities, and your time to someone who is weaker than you or needy. It is giving!
In my meditation
of the Word of God, I have seen at least seven rewards when you regard the weak.
Without regard to the needy, you cannot really give!
Blessed is he who has regard for the weak.
The Lord rewards
a merciful giver in 7 different ways or blessings as found it Psalm 41, in just three verses.
- 1. The Lord delivers him in times of trouble
- 2. The Lord will protect him
- 3. The Lord will preserve his life
- 4. The Lord will bless him in the land
- 5. The Lord will surrender him to the desire of his foes
- 6. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed
- 7. The Lord will restore him from his bed of illness
But if you want
to give to get these rewards, you may be disappointed as well.
Let giving
be a way of life, a lifestyle, an attitude of gratitude to God, as an
expression of love and worship to God.
Investing for Eternity: Doing good, becoming
rich in good deeds, being generous and willing to share, will at least give you the eternal foundation for the coming
age, and help you take hold of eternal life (life that is truly life) 1 Timothy
6:17-19
