Tag: Giving

How to receive gifts

Receiving
Every gift needs someone to accept it

Christmas is a time for giving but also a time for receiving. For every gift that is given, somebody has to receive the gift. The Bible says that it is more blessed to give than to receive but that doesn’t mean receiving is unimportant. A part of the joy of giving a gift is seeing the response of the receiver. An ungracious receiver doesn’t bring joy to the giver.

Newtons third law of motion states that for every force there is an equal and opposite reaction. So every gift need somebody to receive it. In human terms, a gift can be offered which is not accepted, but for the transaction to be complete, the gift has to be received. Continue reading “How to receive gifts”

People give to people

Flour distribution in KenyaYears ago, soon after the formation of Kingscare (now known as Karuna Action), I attended a seminar which brought people together who represented Christian organisations working overseas. I can only remember one particular statement. It has stayed with me since.

“People give to people”.

  • People don’t give to my organisation.
  • People don’t voluntarily give to governments.
  • People don’t give to causes unless they benefit real people.
  • People don’t give to charities as such, they only do so if others will benefit.
  • People give to people.

Continue reading “People give to people”

Giving in the Bible

Sowing seed in India
A farmer giving seed to the soil. What a temptation to eat his seed! But by sacrificially sowing, he will reap with joy.

Giving is a way of life, not just an optional extra to make us feel better. These verses from the Bible show that giving enriches our lives as well as enriching the lives of those we give to. It is a win-win situation. I am not promising you cars and yachts  but I am saying that having a generous heart will make you a better and happier (or in biblical language, blessed) person.

Giving, is the way of love, compassion and justice and can set us apart from a world system so often based on self-interest and greed. Because we are made in the image of God, all human beings have, deep down, a desire to give and to love. Let us rediscover the joy of giving, and together change this sad old world of ours!

Quotations from Old Testament

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 Continue reading “Giving in the Bible”