2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
God wants us to increase our good works at all times so that our blessings will abound enabling us to do more good works. What a wonderful catch 22 we see here in this verse. We as Christ followers can only give what we have received. God enables us to do a good work and that good work brings the blessing of God enabling us to do more. We are always able to give, no matter what our situation. Our ability to give, highlights God generosity.
My husband and I like to play this game of out giving God. Now we know that we will never be able to be more compassionate and generous than God is, but by adding a little competition to the mix we have so much fun trying to bless other people. This all started a few years ago and I remember one of our first giving games. We were at the mall one evening, eating in the food court. We were people watching and particularly enjoyed watching this young man with a large group of teenagers. You could tell that the young man enjoyed being with them and that the young people respected this young man. I don’t know if we ever knew what kind of group they were and it really doesn’t matter. My husband felt God whisper to him, “Go give that guy $100.00”. Of course, my husband was hesitant to do this for a couple of reasons, one being that he is pretty shy and second, who goes up to a stranger and hands them a hundred bucks?
Well, all through our meal, Hubby had this impression to go and give. So as we finished up the young man was gathering his troops. We knew it was now or never. Hubby walked over to the gentleman and gave him a hundred dollars. The feeling that we got from doing that was worth way more than a hundred dollar bill.
Many will ask, so what if the beneficiary misuses the money given to them. We struggled with this as well, but finally came to the decision that the money really isn’t ours to begin with and is given with no strings attached. It belongs to God and how the money is spent is between God and the beneficiary.
Perhaps your budget is tight and giving seems impossible to you. May I suggest that you begin with tithing. I have found that when I am tithing I am never short of money for things that I need. Now, I’m not saying that if you tithe, you’ll get rich. I don’t think it works like that, but I do believe that God will shift your attitude and he will help you see wealth through his eyes, which is totally different from the world.
Don’t forget that giving doesn’t have to be money. You can give of your time or talents. Can you play the piano? How about blessing the single parent family down the street with lessons for their child? Can you visit? How about heading to the lonely lady that always sits by herself at church or the local nursing home? Make a meal for a family that is going through a tough time. Ask God how you can give to bring him glory and honor.
Try the giving game with your family or friends. I dare you.
Adventures in Abundance 
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