Giver or Taker

When interacting with the world,
do you think;

What can the world give me?

Aren't I worth a hand out?

Can I get something for free?

How can I save money?

Is this for me?

What's in it for me?

Or do you think;

What can I give to the world,
to God's people?

This poor child wants an ice cream,
maybe I can give him one?

When I get something for free,
it comes out of someone else's pocket.

How can I give to other's in need,
to those short on food, money, or love?

I am not rich, but I have more than enough,
whom can I help?

The Bible is clear about giving.  The word give, giving or gave is mentioned 1305 times in the word of God.  God is clear through His word, that we should be givers and not takers.  The following are just a few Bible verses which stress the importance of giving.

Deat. 15:7,8 - Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand... thou shalt open thine hand wide.

Mark 10:21 - Give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven

Acts 20:35 - It is more blessed to give than to receive

Exodus 35:5 - Take... an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it

Proverbs 22:9 - A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Luke 6:38 - 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."

Romans 12:13 - Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Remember this; Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:11 - You will be made rich in ever way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

The focus of this blog is to help us to see how blessed we are.  To reveal the heart of God through his word.  God is the Giver of Life!  He gives to all and in abundance.  The individual who has the Holy Spirit living in their heart has no excuse for selfishness or greediness.  When we live according to the spirit, we should reveal the heart of God.  You can never be too rich or too poor to be a giver!  The ultimate gift was on the cross 2,000 years ago.  Christ died for each person.  Let's show the world a taste of Christ's love and live as giver's and not taker's!