Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. Philippians 4:17
The apostle Paul was writing these words to the church in Thessalonica as a way to thank them for their generous giving. He wanted them to realize the effect of their generosity. This heartfelt thankfulness stems from a life of contentment. In his travels across Europe, Paul had experienced facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. He had learned the secret of the greatest gift and the one who gives it. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)
Strength in Generosity
These days my emails are flooded with deals for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. All these ads boast of enormous savings. The more I buy the more I save. The past three days have been focused on getting. All this consumerism promises the “fruitfulness of saving”, yet producing lean pocketbooks competing for funds available for generous giving. There is now a day set aside to be generous – Giving Tuesday. My inbox is also flooded with emails from great organizations sharing their needs – challenging me to get my giving list together for year end.
Strength in Humility
No one had to teach me to be selfish, I was born with this nature. As a child, I was consumed with my Christmas list and what I wanted. I remember the toys I received (or that Cabbage Patch doll I didn’t get), but rarely remember the gifts I actually gave others. I can remember exchanging gifts with my siblings, but cannot remember these gifts. My kids have started their Christmas lists already. It is challenging in the current culture to instill in them the heart of Christmas – giving not receiving. It takes great strength and character to put others before oneself. I am trying to teach my kids a lifestyle of humility, contentment and giving.
Strength in Grace
Giving is a concept rooted in grace. Over two thousand years ago, God sent His Son as a gift of grace. Jesus Christ gave his life through the greatest act of grace. His righteousness was credited to my account when I least deserved it. Through His life and lifestyle, Jesus teaches us all that it is always “more blessed to give than receive.” In this season of giving and receiving, I want my heart aligned to the greatest giver of them all – JESUS!
Fruit of Giving
Generosity. Humility. Grace.
How can I realize the fruit of giving in my life? What does my giving list look like this year?