God is a Giver

GOD IS A GIVER
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.
John 3:16


“WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?” everyone wants to know nowadays. Many people are blatantly and unashamedly living for themselves. They’re not interested in other people. They wont take time to help others in need. They focus only on what they want, what they need, what they feel will most benefit themselves. Ironically, this selfish attitude condemns them to living shallow, unrewarding lives. No matter how much they acquire for themselves, they are never satisfied.

God, however, is a giver, and if you want to experience a new level of God’s joy, if you want Him to pour out His blessings and favor in your life, then you must learn to be a giver and not a taker. Quit trying to figure out what everybody can do for you, and start trying to figure out what you can do for somebody else. We were not made to function as self-involved people, thinking only of ourselves. No, God created us to be givers. And you will never be truly fulfilled as a human being until you learn the simple secret of how to give your life away.

You may not realize it, but it is extremely selfish to be dwelling on your problems, always thinking about what you want or need, and hardly noticing the many needs of others all around you. One of the best things you can do if you’re having a problem is to help solve somebody else’s problem. If you want your dreams to come to pass, help someone else fulfill his or her dreams. Start sowing some seeds so God can bring you a harvest. When we meet other people’s needs, God always meets our needs.

We were created to give, not simply to please ourselves. If you miss that truth, you will miss the abundant, overflowing, joy-filled life that God has in store for you. But when you reach out to other people in need, God will make sure that your own needs are supplied. If you’re lonely or down and discouraged today, don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Get your mind off yourself and go help meet someone else’s need. Go visit the nursing home or a children’s hospital. Call a friend and encourage that person. If you’re struggling financially, go out and help somebody who has less than you have. You need to sow some seeds so God can bring you a harvest.

You may say, “Joel, I don’t have anything to give.” Sure you do! You can give a smile. You can give a hug. You can do some menial but meaningful task for someone. For example, you could mow somebody’s lawn. You could go to the grocery store or make a meal for a person who is shut in and unable to get to the store. You can visit someone in the hospital or in a senior citizens’ center. You can write somebody an encouraging letter. Somebody needs what you have to share. Somebody needs your smile. Somebody needs your love. Somebody needs your friendship. Somebody needs your encouragement. God didn’t make us to function as “Lone Rangers” He created us to be free, but He did not intend for us to be independent of each other. We really do need one another. If you want God to bless your life, start being a blessing to others.

TODAY’S PRAYER:

FATHER, PLEASE HELP ME TO GET MY EYES OFF MYSELF AND TO SEE THE MANY NEEDS IN PEOPLE ALL AROUND ME. MAY I BE A MEANS OF HELP, COMFORT, AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO SOMEONE ELSE TODAY.