Notice the Words of Jesus recorded in Acts 20:35; “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This Scripture emphasizes stewardship. A steward is a manager, an overseer or a caretaker. Every Christian is a steward. A steward is never the owner; he is always the manager of what is placed into his care! What areas of stewardships do we have? We have stewardship of time (Ephesians 5:16), treasures (Matthew 6:21) and talents (1 Peter 4:10)! The matter of stewardship extends to all areas of life, such as: spiritual gifts, family and all earthly possessions. Notice the blessings of being a cheerful giver!
Privilege of Giving
God expects us to give as we have purposed and prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Notice two examples: Philippians, “an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” Macedonians, “that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Promises of Giving
God promises we will have an abundant abundance (2 Corinthians 9:6-10). Sowing (v.6): In this context it speaks of one seed producing many seeds as a way of referring to abundance. Yet, first the seed must be given away (i.e., sown)! Sufficiency (v.8): Christian giving affects all of life! God provides for all needs (Matthew 6:19-34). Seed (v.10): Giving is the natural result of salvation. A stingy Christian is a contradiction in terms!
Practice of Giving
God identifies giving to be purposeful (2 Corinthians 8:3). We give out of ability (8:3a): Giving is out of what you have, not out of what you do not have! We must give sacrificially (8:3b): Giving always pinches; it is a sacrifice! We must give willingly (8:3c): No one should give under pressure. We must give with an open heart!
In conclusion, notice three important passages (Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:16; Job 1:20-21). Job lost all of his earthly possessions, including his children. How he responded was a demonstration of his morality and integrity. “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.’” Job held his possessions with an open hand and clung tightly to God. In doing so that enabled him to hold fast to his integrity and convictions. To God be the Glory!
