Giving in Gratitude

Aug 21, 2016 | From the Pastor

Giving is important. One might even go as far to say that giving is essential in life. But giving for the right reasons is as important as the act of giving itself.

Giving is a word that can mean many different things these days and take on many different forms.

Giving is important. One might even go as far to say that giving is essential in life. But giving for the right reasons is as important as the act of giving itself. Some people hear the word and automatically cringe. Others might hear it and get a certain sense of pride, joy, and contentment. Some people have even turned the act of generosity and giving into an occasionally-questionable business venture.

The heart of giving and true reason for it should not be misunderstood. Giving is important. One might even go as far to say that giving is essential in life. But giving for the right reasons is as important as the act of giving itself.

Clearly, there are a plethora of different reasons we give, and give willingly. But, as we encounter certain moments and opportunities in our lives, our communities, and our church; we realize that the moments and reasons to give are there, and we should pursue them, and do so cheerfully.

By giving together we can do more. Collectively, we can make a huge difference in this world for a person, a community, a state, a nation or even the world God created. What a wonderful feeling and opportunity that truly is! Giving has a way of transforming not only the recipient, but also the giver as well.

One can give without loving but that one cannot love without giving. That is true in almost any situation. Christ told us that our treasure is where our heart is. Furthermore, God began the existence of the world with the very notion of giving, and at the heart of that truly is appreciation, reverence and love.

God has given us more gifts than we can ever count—some we many not even realize and some that we take for granted. One of God’s greatest gifts is the gift of Jesus Christ.

With the gift of Jesus, and Jesus alone, we were able to get greater insight into who God is and just how much God truly does love us. But that was not all. In addition to the gift of Jesus Christ, we were also given the gift of eternal life. This is how much God has given us, and shows how much love God genuinely has for us.

Why then, should we not show our own love for those gifts and give back to God what has already been given to us?