...food and shelter for all!
Hey, you!
Welcome back!
So you’re still interested in this place, huh?
Well, today, I’m getting straight to the point – short and sweet. If I were endlessly rich, I’d give so much of it away to those in need. Maybe I say this because I know what it feels like to be in a life bind. I know what it’s like to be homeless. I know what it’s like to have no one there for you when you need it the most. I’ve experienced the despair. This prompt got me thinking: what does it mean to truly give. The technical term describes the act of freely transferring something to someone.
The Trend
Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of social media platforms that encourage generosity, especially to those in need? Giving has become quite popular. Yet, it seems a lot of the time it’s scripted and it’s always recorded and broadcasted in front of the world. Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand that broadcasting your giving can generate money that can aid in funding future events, but…
…What does it mean to truly give and how should we go about doing so?
Well, again, I consult my best friend, God. Studying His Word, I found these very interesting passages that shed light on the subject:
Giving
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but come to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” -Proverbs 11:24-25
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord you God will bless you in all you work and in everything you put your hand to.” -Deuteronomy 15:10
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” -1 Timothy 6:18
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” -Psalm 37:21
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” -2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lore Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” -Acts 20:35
“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
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” -Proverbs 22:9
The Motivation/Intent Behind Your Giving
Why are you giving? Sure, it’s good to give either way because someone is getting the help they need. But what about the individual who is giving? Are they getting what they truly need? The only way to find out is to really look within.
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that you giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” -Matthew 6:3-4
“Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” -Matthew 6:2
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corner of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” -Matthew 6:5
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their face, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” -Matthew 6:16
Yeah, I know. It’s kind of a lot…but if you take your time to read them, you might just appreciate them for the priceless gems of wisdom that they are! In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity in practicing righteousness. Those who perform acts of charity, prayer, or fasting for the purpose of public recognition have already received their “reward” in the form of human approval, rather than a reward from God; which an entirely different a kind of reward in itself.
At lot times, it’s not about giving in a way where others are able to witness the act. It’s not about reposting someone else’s “good deed” online either. Most of my giving takes place on the go; throughout my day. You just give what you can, and do so discreetly. No one has to know you did that kind thing; sometimes, not even the person you’re giving to! The only one I want to see it on a regular basis, is God. And I know there might be one person out there in the 8.2 billion that’ll ask me: “Realistically, what if I don’t have any money or material items to give?”
Well, kindness is free. It costs you nothing but a moment of your time. Personally, it’s my favorite thing to give away. I naturally care about people, even if I’ve never met them. I have an empathetic heart and I try and understand other’s perspectives a lot of the time. It seems to really lift spirits up when someone truly recognizes them. And this goes for any kind of person. You don’t have to be down and out for any of this to apply. Basic human decency should be expected without wanting some sort of recognition for doing so. It only takes making the choice to be that to someone, and you’ll never know what the “secret” act of kindness might change someone’s life. You’ll never know, they start a chain reaction of paying it forward.
Anyway, that’s enough for today. My personal life has been dominated my attention, but I didn’t wan’t to skip a day to post something here…
…you know for that one person that checks in all the time; literally (Yeah, I see you!)
Thanks again for visit RozieLand!
I pray many many many many blessings over you,
xoxo
Rosalyn Rose