Come close. I want to tell you a secret. It is an axiom of truth, i.e., it will never change. Here it is: “Give and it shall be given unto you!”
A few thousand years have passed since Jesus, the Incarnate God – Emmanuel – The I AM that I AM, spoke these words. I suspect it has been repeated a million times over, and yet, so many have bypassed its power. We tend to believe the lessons and sermons of Jesus, but this one seems to have fallen by the wayside. Perhaps it is a matter of trust or faith, and yet, the truth is that they that give never go without. Jesus said that giving would result in receiving; that “men would give to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”
Giving is part of the nature of God. The famed John 3:16 embodies giving: God so loved that He gave… He is the giver of all good things. He gives life and breath; love and help.
Giving opens up windows in Heaven, which in turns allows us to receive blessings we cannot contain. Our giving acknowledges that everything comes from the Lord. In return, the Lord supplies our needs and blesses our obedience.
To that at end, giving is action of obedience which benefits both the one who gives AND the one who receives, thus there is no downside to giving. It is the flow of the river which keeps the water fresh and new. Yet, the secret seems to be hidden in plain sight. We know it with our head, but it must transfer to our heart and then to our hands. The act of giving is the basis of all life and allows us to experience the joy of living for the Lord.
Consider these promises:
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Psa 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
God orders our steps; secures our life; never leaves us empty, and gives us mercy without limit. Every word of God is true and while it seems to be a secret, all of His promises are “Yes” and “Amen.” He has never spoken a word that has fallen to the ground. Our faith is seen when we give to the work of the Kingdom and the mission of Jesus Christ. If by chance you learn the secret, as I have, your daily living will forever change.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole