There is something deeply beautiful about the act of giving. It is more than a social duty, more than a kind gesture, and more than a seasonal activity that resurfaces during holidays. Giving is spiritual. It reflects the very heart of God. When we give, we step into the character of the God who gives life, breath, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and salvation.
In Acts 20:35, we read these words attributed to our Lord Jesus:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
These words are simple, yet they carry eternal weight. They remind us that true blessing is not found in hoarding, accumulating, or guarding what we possess. Blessing flows outward. It is discovered when we open our hands, our hearts, and our lives to others.
As we reflect on the ministry journey of the past year, I cannot help but see how the Spirit of God has worked — not only through teaching and sharing the Word — but through acts of kindness, prayer, generosity, and support. This ministry exists because God gives. And because God gives, we learn to give as well.
God — The First Giver
Before creation existed… before humanity walked the earth… before sin entered the world… God already was a giver.
The psalmist declares:
“You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
— Psalm 145:16
God gives the sun to warm the earth.
He gives rain to water the fields.
He gives us breath every moment of every day.
He gives wisdom, purpose, mercy, and hope.
And in the greatest display of generosity the world has ever known:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
— John 3:16 NKJV
God does not simply possess love — He acts in love. His love moves. His love gives. His love sacrifices.
The cross shows us that giving is not just about sharing what we have — it is about sharing who we are. God did not give us a portion of heaven. He gave us His Son. And Jesus did not give us a portion of Himself — He gave His life.
When we understand this, giving is no longer a burden.
It becomes worship.
Giving Reflects the Character of Christ
Jesus lived a life saturated with generosity.
He gave His time — to children, to sinners, to the sick, to the forgotten.
He gave compassion — to the weary, the broken, and the rejected.
He gave truth — even when truth was unpopular.
He gave forgiveness — even to those who nailed Him to the cross.
Scripture says:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
— Mark 10:45
This means giving is never beneath us —
because giving was never beneath Jesus.
To walk with Christ is to walk in generosity.
To become Christlike is to become others-centered.
To be filled with the Spirit is to be emptied of selfishness.
The Joy Hidden in Generosity
Many people spend their entire lives searching for happiness — in career, possessions, relationships, achievements, and recognition. But Jesus reveals a surprising truth:
Happiness flows from giving.
This doesn’t mean receiving is wrong. Receiving is a blessing too. But there is a greater joy — the joy of watching someone else blessed, comforted, strengthened, encouraged, or renewed because we chose to give.
Proverbs reminds us:
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
— Proverbs 11:25
Notice something powerful:
We are refreshed as we refresh others.
The world teaches us:
“Protect yourself. Secure your future. Focus on you.”
But the Kingdom of God teaches:
“Trust God. Serve others. Love freely.”
And in doing so — we discover a joy the world cannot give and cannot take away.
Giving Is Not Only About Money
When people hear “giving,” they often think only about finances. Yes — Scripture speaks about giving materially. But generosity is far wider and richer than money alone.
We can give:
• Time — sitting with the lonely
• Encouragement — strengthening the discouraged
• Prayer — standing before God on behalf of others
• Wisdom — guiding someone younger in the faith
• Presence — simply being there in moments of need
• Kindness — choosing grace over judgment
• Forgiveness — releasing bitterness
• Love — offering what the world withholds
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is listening without rushing.
Or speaking hope into someone who feels forgotten.
Or serving quietly where no one notices but God.
No act of giving is wasted when it is done in love.
Giving Without Expecting in Return
Jesus calls us to a deeper kind of generosity — one that mirrors the heart of God. True giving means offering what we have without expecting anything in return. We do not give to impress, to gain praise, or to receive something back. Instead, we give because God has already given so generously to us.
“But when you give… do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
— Matthew 6:3
This means we give:
• not to impress
• not to gain praise
• not to feel superior
• not to manipulate
• not to get something back
We give because God has already given to us.
True generosity flows from gratitude.
We were forgiven — so we forgive.
We were loved — so we love.
We were blessed — so we bless.
When we walk in the spirit of giving, we give freely — not to receive, not for recognition, but simply out of love.
The Spirit of Giving in the Life of the Church
The early church was known for a spirit of generosity. They shared meals, possessions, time, and resources — not by force, but by love.
Scripture says:
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability...”
— 2 Corinthians 8:3
This is not about wealth.
It is about willingness.
Some people gave little — but their hearts were big.
Some gave much — but never sought recognition.
Some had nothing to give — yet offered prayer and love.
Every gift mattered.
And every gift still matters today.
Obstacles to Generosity
If giving is so beautiful —
why do we sometimes struggle to give?
Sometimes fear whispers:
“What if I don’t have enough?”
Sometimes pride whispers:
“What do I gain from this?”
Sometimes bitterness whispers:
“Why should I help them?”
Sometimes selfishness whispers:
“Think of yourself first.”
But Jesus invites us to a higher way —
a way of trust, humility, and love.
Giving becomes easier when we remember:
• Everything we own belongs to God
• God promises to provide for His children
• Eternal treasure is worth more than earthly wealth
Generosity is not losing — it is investing in eternity.
The Spirit of Giving as Worship
Every act of giving — when done for God’s glory — becomes worship.
When you help the poor…
When you encourage the discouraged…
When you share the gospel…
When you lift someone in prayer…
When you support God’s work…
You are honoring Christ.
Jesus said:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”
— Matthew 25:40
Giving therefore is not simply horizontal (to people).
It is vertical — unto the Lord.
The Greatest Gift — Salvation
At the center of our faith stands the greatest gift humanity has ever received:
Jesus Christ.
We did not earn salvation.
We did not purchase grace.
We did not deserve mercy.
God gave it freely.
Paul writes:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8 NKJV
This is why Christians give joyfully:
Because we have already received infinitely more than we could ever repay.
Practical Ways to Live Out the Spirit of Giving
If you desire to grow in generosity, consider these simple steps:
• Begin your day asking God,
“Lord, show me who I can bless today.”
• Look for needs — not just physical, but emotional and spiritual.
• Practice giving quietly — without seeking attention.
• Support ministries that lift up Christ and preach truth.
• Teach children the beauty of sharing and kindness.
• Forgive freely — even when it costs you.
• Be present with people — especially the hurting.
• And above all — let love be your motivation.
As This Ministry Marks One Year…
This blog, this ministry, this journey — exists because of God’s grace and faithfulness. Over the past year, He has guided, sustained, encouraged, and opened doors. He has brought readers, friends, supporters, and prayer partners — each one a blessing.
And so — as we look forward —
we choose to continue walking in the Spirit of Giving.
We give the Word of God.
We give encouragement.
We give prayer.
We give truth.
We give Christ.
Not for our glory —
but for His glory alone.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the God who gives —
the God who loves generously,
provides faithfully,
and saves abundantly.
Fill our hearts with the 'Spirit of Giving'.
Remove selfishness, fear, and pride.
Teach us to give joyfully —
our time, our resources, our love, our lives —
for Your glory and for the good of others.
May every act of generosity
reflect the love of Christ
and point others to the cross —
where the greatest gift was given.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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LIVING Overcomer