But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
Many people love to give gifts, and this is a very generous thing to do. The issue many people have a hard time with is the motive behind giving. Many people give to get in return. Looking at the above scripture. A cheerful giver is not one that just gives and gives with a smile. A cheerful giver is one that gives from the heart expecting nothing but to bless someone. A cheerful giver understands that it is not about them. They understand that giving is about blessing someone and making a difference.
When you give to gain later you are not giving from your heart. If you are not careful you can become very manipulative and controlling. You can begin to always give expecting something in return. You can start to believe that people owe you a deed when you give them something and this is ungodly. God is the blesser. Everything belongs to God. When we give from the heart with pure motive, He is using what He allowed us to acquire to bless someone in need. This is the perspective we should always remember.
It takes a humble and mature person to give and understand that God blesses us in His timing when we bless others. I have been someone that expected to give and get. I learned the hard way that it is not my job to give and expect people to do the same or that they owe me something. As I write this post, I want people to understand that impure motives always come to the surface, and you can be exposed. It can be an embarrassing, but a humbling experience.
People are not as naive as we may assume. People can tell when you give to get something in return or with strings attached. Also, when you bring it up when you have grievances or disagreements. Many people try to use it as a tool to get someone to do what they want. When you take it to this to this level God is not pleased and it can become wicked if you are not careful.
When you give from the heart and with pure motives you reap godly blessings. When you give grudgingly you may reap a bad harvest or nothing at all because your motives were not pure. God sees all and He knows us inside and out. We are not fooling anyone. Some people have been called out about their impure motives, but they refuse to change their actions.
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you (Luke 6:38).
We often quote this scripture in pieces. We focus on “good measure, pressed down, shaken together“, this is only true when the measure by which you give or how you give is with pure motive in heart and deed.
There is no need to boast about what you have done for someone. Some people are keeping score or a record. This is not necessary. Gifts are free and an act of godly love.
Giving our time is a gift. Supporting someone who is grieving is a gift. Being there for someone who is sick is a gift. Giving is not always about money. You can help someone move in a new place free of charge as an example. Always remember to do what you have the resources for or the capacity to do.
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16).
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you (Deuteronomy 16:17).
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 