The Joy and Sacrifice of Generous Giving
Summary
In our exploration of the serving gifts, we delve into the profound spiritual gift of giving. The Bible illuminates this gift as a divine ability, bestowed upon individuals to give with a cheerful, eager, and generous heart. The essence of this gift is not rooted in the act of giving itself, but in the purity of the motive behind it—to spread the Gospel and glorify God. This is a gift that transcends the mere transactional nature of giving; it is an expression of worship and a reflection of Christ's own sacrificial love.
Those graced with the gift of giving do so joyfully, extending beyond their tithes, and with a singleness of mind that is free from ulterior motives. They are not seeking recognition or repayment; their giving is an outpouring of their commitment to God's work. This gift is not exclusive to the wealthy; it is also revealed in those of modest means who give sacrificially, demonstrating that the value of a gift is not measured by its size but by the sacrifice it represents.
Jesus Christ is our ultimate model of giving. Though He was divine, He did not cling to His heavenly status but humbled Himself, taking on human form and becoming obedient to death on the cross. This act of giving was the ultimate sacrifice, given freely and lovingly for the salvation of humanity.
Believers with the gift of giving often possess astute business acumen, working diligently with the belief that God will bless their efforts, enabling them to contribute more to the church and the spread of the Gospel. They are discerning, directing their generosity towards ministries that honor God and further His kingdom. However, this gift, like all spiritual gifts, is entrusted to imperfect individuals who must guard against the temptation to use their contributions to exert undue influence or to shirk other responsibilities within the church.
The story of the poor widow in the temple, as recounted in the Gospel of Mark, serves as a powerful example of the gift of giving. Her offering of two small coins, worth less than a penny, was deemed greater than the substantial amounts given by the wealthy because she gave out of her poverty, sacrificing all she had to live on. This act of giving was a true manifestation of the gift, reflecting a heart wholly devoted to God.
In conclusion, the gift of giving is a sacred trust, a reflection of God's own generosity, and a means through which His love is made tangible in the world. It is a gift that should be exercised with humility, wisdom, and a steadfast focus on the glory of God and the advancement of His Gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The gift of giving is characterized by a joyous and generous heart, free from the desire for recognition or repayment. It is an act of worship that mirrors the selfless love of Christ, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption. This gift is not about the amount but the heart behind the giving. [05:47]
- True giving is not confined to the wealthy; it is also vividly demonstrated by those with limited means. The story of the widow's mite teaches us that the measure of a gift lies in the level of sacrifice, not the monetary value. This challenges us to evaluate our own giving, not by its size but by the love and sacrifice it represents. [05:05]
- Those with the gift of giving are often blessed with business skills and a strong work ethic, believing that God will multiply their efforts for the purpose of furthering His kingdom. However, they must remain vigilant to ensure that their giving remains pure and not a means to gain influence or avoid other responsibilities within the church. [03:52]
- The gift of giving requires discernment to ensure that contributions are directed towards God-honoring ministries. This discernment is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the gift and ensuring that it is used to genuinely further the Gospel and glorify God. [04:28]
- It is more blessed to give than to receive, as Jesus taught. This beatitude encapsulates the joy and blessing inherent in the gift of giving. Those who give experience the profound joy and spiritual fulfillment that comes from being conduits of God's generosity. [07:11]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Gift of Giving
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:8 - "If it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
2. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
3. Mark 12:41-44 - "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:8, how should one give if they possess the gift of giving?
2. What does Philippians 2:5-8 tell us about Jesus' attitude towards giving and sacrifice?
3. In Mark 12:41-44, what was significant about the widow's offering compared to the offerings of the wealthy?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 illustrate the principle that the value of a gift is measured by the sacrifice it represents? [05:47]
2. What does Philippians 2:5-8 teach us about the nature of true giving and sacrifice, and how can this be applied to our own acts of giving? [02:17]
3. How can believers with the gift of giving ensure that their contributions are directed towards ministries that honor God and further His kingdom? [03:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own giving habits. Do you give out of abundance or do you give sacrificially like the widow in Mark 12:41-44? How can you align your giving more closely with the widow's example? [05:47]
2. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice is a model for our giving. In what ways can you emulate Christ's selflessness in your daily life and in your giving? [02:17]
3. If you have the gift of giving, how can you guard against the temptation to use your contributions to exert influence or avoid other responsibilities within the church? [06:26]
4. Consider the ministries you support. How do you discern which ministries are God-honoring and further the Gospel? What steps can you take to ensure your contributions are used wisely? [03:52]
5. Think about a time when you gave joyfully and generously. What was the impact on you and on those who received your gift? How can you cultivate a heart that gives with the same joy and generosity consistently? [01:35]
6. How can you develop a mindset that sees giving as an act of worship and a reflection of Christ's love, rather than a mere transaction? [01:35]
7. Identify one specific way you can give sacrificially this week, whether it be your time, resources, or talents. How will you ensure that this act of giving is done with a pure motive to glorify God? [01:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Joyful Generosity Reflects Christ's Love
Generosity is not merely a matter of financial contribution; it is a reflection of the heart's condition and an emulation of Christ's selfless love. When one gives joyously and generously, it is a testament to a heart transformed by the Gospel, free from the desire for recognition or repayment. This form of giving is an act of worship, a sacred expression that mirrors the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for our redemption. It is essential to understand that the magnitude of the gift is inconsequential compared to the love and willingness behind it. The true measure of giving is found in the joy and purity of the intention, not in the material value of the gift [05:47].
"For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Reflection: How can you cultivate a more joyful and generous heart in your giving this week, focusing on the love behind the gift rather than its size?
Day 2: Sacrificial Giving Transcends Wealth
The act of giving is not confined to those with abundant resources; it is vividly demonstrated by those with limited means who give sacrificially. The story of the widow's mite teaches us that the value of a gift is not measured by its monetary worth but by the level of sacrifice it represents. This challenges believers to evaluate their own giving, encouraging them to give out of love and sacrifice, reflecting a heart wholly devoted to God. It is the willingness to give from one's need, rather than one's abundance, that truly exemplifies the spirit of giving [05:05].
"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny." - Mark 12:41-42
Reflection: What might sacrificial giving look like in your life, and how can you step out in faith to give more sacrificially?
Day 3: Diligence and Discernment in Giving
Those blessed with the gift of giving often possess keen business acumen and a strong work ethic, believing that God will bless their efforts and enable them to contribute more significantly to His kingdom. However, it is crucial for these individuals to remain vigilant, ensuring that their giving is not tainted by a desire for control or influence, but remains a pure outpouring of their commitment to God's work. They must also be discerning, directing their generosity towards ministries that honor God and further His kingdom, maintaining the integrity of their gift [03:52].
"Let each one give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Reflection: How can you ensure that your giving is done with pure motives and directed towards causes that truly honor God?
Day 4: Discernment Guides God-Honoring Generosity
The gift of giving requires discernment to ensure that contributions are directed towards God-honoring ministries. This discernment is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the gift and ensuring that it is used to genuinely further the Gospel and glorify God. Believers are called to wisely steward their resources, supporting work that aligns with biblical principles and the advancement of God's kingdom. This careful consideration in giving reflects a heart attuned to God's will and a desire to see His love made tangible in the world [04:28].
"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." - Proverbs 24:3-4
Reflection: In what ways can you practice discernment in your giving to ensure that your contributions are supporting God-honoring work?
Day 5: The Blessedness of Giving
It is more blessed to give than to receive, as Jesus taught. This beatitude encapsulates the joy and blessing inherent in the gift of giving. Those who give experience the profound joy and spiritual fulfillment that comes from being conduits of God's generosity. The act of giving blesses the giver as much as the receiver, fostering a spirit of gratitude and a deeper connection with the divine purpose. This understanding transforms giving from a duty into a delightful expression of God's love and grace [07:11].
"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
Reflection: How can you embrace the blessedness of giving in your daily life, and who can you bless through your generosity today?
Quotes
1) "The gift of giving may be defined as the god-given ability to give cheerfully, eagerly and generously with no motive except to spread the gospel and bring glory to God." [01:35] (Download)
2) "Those believers who have the gift of giving give joyfully beyond their tithes, they give with generosity or simplicity which translates a Greek word that literally means liberally or bountifully." [01:35] (Download)
3) "Though Jesus was God, he didn't think equality with God was something to cling to selfishly; therefore, he gave up his throne in heaven, taking the form of a servant." [02:17] (Download)
4) "People with the gift of giving will not create a funeral atmosphere at offering time; instead, they will have gleams in their eyes and smiles on their faces as they give back to God." [03:00] (Download)
5) "Believers with this gift are usually good at business and good at making and handling money; they are typically very hard-working people and believe that God will bless their hard work so that they can give more." [03:52] (Download)
6) "People with the gift of giving are usually not gullible, so they only give to projects directly related to Ministry or winning people to Christ." [03:52] (Download)
7) "It is not the amount given but the sacrifice that reveals the gift of giving, as demonstrated by the poor widow who gave all she had to live on." [05:47] (Download)
8) "All spiritual gifts are perfect because they come from a perfect God; however, they are given to imperfect people who can let their gifts become menaces in the church if not used wisely." [06:26] (Download)
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