INSPIRATION
Spiritual Gifts: Giving
Spiritual Gift of Giving in Scripture:
Romans 12:6-8 – “We
have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If
your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to
encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give
generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy,
do it cheerfully.” NIV
Mark 6:41- “Taking the five loaves and the two fish
and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he
gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided
the two fish among them all.” NIV
John 15:12-13- “This is
my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There
is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” NLT
Acts 9:36 – “There
was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She
was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” NLT
Acts 4:34-37- “There
were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses
would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in
need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed
Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of
Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and
brought the money to the apostles. “ NLT
2 Corinthians 8:1-5- “In the midst of a very severe
trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich
generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and
even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded
with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s
people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first
of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” NIV
Matthew 6:1-4- “‘Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds
publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from
your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the
hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call
attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have
received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone
in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will
reward you.'” NLT
Mark 12:41-44- “Jesus sat down near the
collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their
money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and
dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said,
‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the
others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their
surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live
on.'” NLT
Romans 12:13- “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” NIV
What is the Spiritual Gift of Giving?
People with the spiritual gift of giving have an innate ability to see the needs of others and have the resources to help them.
Three areas most people think of when
it comes to the spiritual gift of giving is the providing of abilities,
resources, or time. Sometimes this gift is just described as the
monetary gifts provided to the church or ministry, but it really means
to give of whatever you have to help someone else.
Each of us has a
specific ability or talent. Sometimes it is another gift, but mostly it
includes things we are able to do like build, sew, cook, read, teach,
etc. It means helping others with their homework, helping to build
houses for the homeless, cook for those grieving the losses of loved
ones, etc. Sometimes we take our talents for granted and don’t always
see how they can benefit others, but those with the spiritual gift of
giving always feel compelled to share these abilities.
Others have the resources to give of themselves.
Sometimes that resource is money,
sometimes it’s things, and other times it’s just time. As much as money
isn’t something Christians like to focus on, providing financially for
churches, missions,
ministries, etc. can do a lot to build the Christian community and help
others. Even small amounts of financial support help. Meanwhile, others
may not have the finances to do much, so instead they give their time
to help others. People work in soup kitchens, tutor underprivileged
youth, mop nursing homes, etc. to give whatever others may need. The
spiritual gift of giving comes in many forms.
However, there is a
pitfall when it comes to having this spiritual gift, and that pitfall is
pride. When we focus more on showing others what we give, or asking for
acknowledgement from others, we are losing sense of the true gift.
Also, if we think we need to give for God to love us, then we lose sight
of the true sense of the gift of giving.
Is the Gift of Giving My Spiritual Gift?
Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to many of them, then you may have the spiritual gift of giving:
- Are you normally very tuned in to what others need?
- Do you see what you have in abundance and feel compelled to share your wealth of abilities, time, or resources with others?
- Do you see giving as a privilege rather than an obligation?
- Do you seek out ways to share what you have?
- Does giving warm your heart?
- Do others see you as a generous person working on behalf of God?