SOMETHING WE ALL CAN DO:  GIVE

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38)

For some time, many people have criticized the subject of giving.  Certainly there have been TV evangelists who have used guilt tactics to extract money from well-meaning viewers.  Others have abused the finances they've been entrusted with. 

Despite the abuse of money by a few TV ministers, the subject of giving is one that needs to be addressed.  Every believer should be a giver.  Giving should be an expression of our love for the Lord.  Sadly, many Christians have the reputation of being uncaring because of their stinginess. 

God wants us to give.  Far too many are legalistic with their giving.  Their attitude is summed up in the question, "What is the least I have to give?"  Instead, God wants us to have the attitude, "What is the most I am able to give?"  As recipients of God's abundant grace and love, we should be generous in our giving.

I recognize that many who read this are not financially wealthy.  Some of my readers are on a monthly fixed income and find it difficult just to pay their bills.  I want you to understand that there's more to the subject of giving than money.  As you'll see, giving is something all of us can do.

Giving is a reflection of the heart.  Gratitude, compassion and love should motivate us to give generously.  Let's look at three areas of giving.

1.  GIVE OF YOUR TIME

First of all, you can give of your time.  When a person gives of his time, it shows that he cares.  Some try to use money as a substitute for time.  That is a serious mistake.  When you are raising children, they need your time more than they need an expensive toy or trinket.

Time is the most precious gift you can give.  Think about it.  You can earn more money but once time is gone, it is gone forever.  We have just a limited amount of time left here on earth.  It is imperative that we use our time wisely.

So many need our time.  When you befriend someone who is lonely, you are giving that person a precious gift.  When you take time to listen to a neighbor with a broken heart, you're giving a valuable gift to them.  When you visit a nursing home or someone in the hospital, you are giving them a loving gift.  When you give of your time to volunteer at a soup kitchen, you are giving a wonderful gift to those in need.

Don't underestimate the gift of your time.  You may impress a few people by writing a check, but you impact lives by giving them your time.

2.  GIVE OF YOUR TALENTS

Everyone has unique gifts and talents that God has given for us to use.  He expects us to use our talents for His glory and the benefit of others.  We tend to overlook the value of our talents, but when you give of your talents, it can make a profound difference.

A person does not need to have money to give of his talents.  Cooking a meal for a family that is grieving is a loving gift.  Lending a hand to someone in need can really be a blessing.  Providing free carpentry work for a widow can really make a difference. 

When you give of your talents, you will be a blessing others and you'll find yourself being blessed.

3.  GIVE OF YOUR TREASURES

Financial giving is something that God honors.  Do not think that you must be a wealthy person to give.  Many ministers have publicly given high praise to a wealthy person who donates thousands of dollars.  Yet the Lord looks beyond such superficial nonsense.  He looks at your heart and your capacity to give.  If Jesus recognized and praised a widow for giving just two mites, He will bless when you sacrificially give just a few dollars or even a few cents.

The Lord loves a cheerful giver.  When you give of your time, talents and treasures, the Lord sees it.  He knows why you've given.  Although others may not know about your giving, the Lord does.  Ultimately, He will reward you for your loving gifts. 

I think it is time for Christians to repent of their stinginess.  Since we have received the greatest gift of all ---- the gift of eternal life --- we should show our appreciation and love through generous giving.

It is something all of us can do.