Giving is living

Have you ever been really generous? How did you feel? How did the recipients feel? How did the church leaders respond? 

I’ve discovered over the past four decades that, “Giving is living.” This saying came to me in prayer just a few days ago. It was one of those stunning thoughts that seemed to come out of nowhere. But I know it was a God thought.

As you know, we think thousands of thoughts every day. The Bible tells us to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) Although this sounds impossible, it is really quite empowering. It’s referring to the practice of filtering our thoughts throughout the day and sorting them out. Is this a God thought, a self-thought, a societal thought, or a thought from the father of all lies?

Paul the Apostle encouraged the Roman believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV) 

Although we can’t spend every minute of every day in the crippling analysis of every thought, we can identify the source of our thoughts that are influencing our decisions and actions. I spend time early in the mornings with my Bible, a cup of coffee, and my iPad. 

Have you ever spent time thinking, listening, and writing down your key thoughts so you can take them captive?

Many verses tell me that, “Giving is living” was a God thought. “A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.” (Proverbs 11:16, NIV) and “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24, NIV) and “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25, NIV)

I’d like to encourage you to look for “God thoughts” every day. To tell you the truth, it’s a lot like mining for God. You’ll have to sort through tons of debris and grab a few thoughts that are significant. Journaling before you fall asleep will also help you find the significant gems. 

Gems like “Giving is living” will become one of your core values like it has mine. Be generous on every occasion and watch what heaven will do for you and others.

Because you’re a miracle.