Devotion: What Does Your Giving Really Look Like?

 

“Giving never happens by accident. It’s always intentional.” ~Amy Grant

I have been thinking about the word “giving” a lot lately, especially in the light of current events. We are entering the season of giving, and during this time of year, that glorious word makes many of us think of beautiful gifts tied in ribbon, delicious homemade goodies, and family gatherings filled with thanksgiving. I love that this word conjures up such beautiful thoughts, however, I feel we would be remiss to not look deeper and realize that not all of our giving is positive or loving.

Dear friends, each day God grants us an infinite number of giving opportunities. From the moment we wake up in the morning till the time we go to bed at night, we are constantly giving to others through our words and our actions. We may not always be aware of the importance of each giving opportunity, but two things are true: every act of giving is intentional, and what we give others makes a greater impact than we realize.

The way we give is like a fingerprint–a unique impression of our true identity. If our true identity is in Jesus Christ, then we must ask ourselves some hard questions. Here are just a few to ponder:

• When the frustrations of the day have piled up, do we lash out at the ones who are closest to us, or do we give ourselves time to regroup and pray for God to meet us in the chaos?
• When someone disagrees with us, is our first instinct to humble ourselves enough to truly listen, or to give in to our pride and defend ourselves?
• When we serve others, do we do it without any expectation of reciprocity, or do we secretly wait for a thank you and then feel hurt or offended if we don’t receive one?
• When someone has spoken unkind words about us, do we focus more on their heart and seek forgiveness and restoration, or more on our own hearts and how they made us feel?

I can’t honestly tell you that I answered these questions without being convicted of my own selfishness or that I am a godly giver, but I do know that we each will reap what we sow. How we walk through our daily lives and how we treat others along the way is infinitely more important than the material gifts we give during this beautiful season.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV)

Thoughtfulness is intentional.

Thoughtlessness is intentional.

Kindness is intentional.

Indifference is intentional.

Encouragement is intentional.

Judgment is intentional.

Looking deeper at this precious word makes me realize that I have a lot more to learn about how to truly give God’s way. Whether I realize it or not, my daily words and actions reveal my true intentions and identity. Giving is a powerful gift. May we use it wisely, remember to give people more of our hearts than our minds, and be brave enough to let God teach us how to give in a way that fully reflects his Son.

Dear Lord, thank you for being the perfect example of how to intentionally love and give to others. I humbly ask you to teach us how to clothe ourselves with your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12), so the fingerprints we leave on this world will reflect your true character and identity rather than the world’s. Amen.

Scriptures for Reflection

“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16 NIV)

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NIV)

Reach for More

This week’s challenge is to walk through our week looking for opportunities to give the gifts of love, kindness, and grace. Write an encouraging note to a prickly friend who can be hard to love. Be extra patient with that child who tests every one of your nerves. Forgive someone who has hurt you, and ask God for healing and restoration. No matter what you do this week, remember to intentionally seek God in each moment, and he will boldly lead you.

Dear friends, we can do this. Be courageous, and let’s be brave enough to ask ourselves if our giving is reflecting the world or Jesus.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

 

Sarah Lundgren has a passion for all things sparkly, loves God with her whole heart, and is known to love Starbucks chai lattes a whole lot, too. Sarah is currently snuggled in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan with her sweet hubby, J, and her full-time job is making pretty things all day long for her Etsy business, so sarah designs, but she also loves writing devotional content here at The Glorious Table.

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