Grams Writes

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24, ESV).

When I read that verse I had to think about what all it was saying. Certainly it had to encompass more than “getting.” The only way I knew to think about this was to consider what all a person could give.So, here goes.

Of course, the most obvious act of giving that comes to mind is the giving of money. It is said that Americans give more to other causes than any other people. That’s probably because we have the most to give. However, taken in light of this verse (and others), that fact alone may very well be why we have the means to give. But, as time goes on, with the present difficulties with jobs and layoffs, people will inevitably give less to outside causes. One word of caution: never think you can short-change God and still prosper. His Word is very clear. If you honor Him with what He has blessed you with, He will pour out still more blessings, abundantly.

Now think about this a minute–is money the only thing you have to give? I think not. We are more than the balance in our check book. What about giving of your time? If you have a family, that’s a good place to start. God gave the father and mother the responsibility of teaching and training their children to become mature adults who will love God, accept His Son as their Savior, and work to advance the kingdom. You can’t fulfill this responsibility if your mind is somewhere else and your heart is cluttered with unnecessary, worldly pursuits.

Do you need friends? Do you desire a close relationship with someone? The Bible says that if a person would have friends, that person must first be a friend. So, offer your friendship; give of yourself; open your mind, your life up to those around you. So what if there are some who are not willing to respond in like manner? Others will. I had to learn that the hard way, but it works.

Do you want a closer walk with the Lord? Know how to get there? Dive into His Word. Give yourself to studying the deep truths of the Bible. God will respond. He says if you will draw close to Him, He will draw close to you.

Do you feel like no one loves you; no one cares whether or not you live or die? Jesus cares and let me let you in on a little secret. He has other children who loves just like He does. But sometimes these people who would love you are pushed back because you refuse to let them in. It’s up to you to open the door. When you begin to love others, the response of love from others is almost instantaneous.

There may be other ways a person can give, but these are the ones that readily come to my mind. So, you want to have what you need and that in abundance? Then open up; give of your self, your intellect, your emotions, your time, and yes, even your money. God has said you will grow even richer. I believe HIm. It’s amazing how it works.

Grams