The Marks of a Giver
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Believers with the Holy Spirit gift of giving have learned that money is meant to be a servant and not a master. Gifted givers look at their money and seek ways to put that money to work to advance God’s Kingdom. They recognize that all their assets are God’s, not just the 10 percent given as the tithe. They understand that God is concerned with how we manage 100 percent of our resources.
In contrast, there are those who only want to give of their time or of themselves and want to hold onto their money. But it is by tangibly giving that we acknowledge that God owns everything and is the source of all provision. Givers know that gifts given to God are statements of praise for how God has provided in the past and a demonstration of unwavering faith that God will provide in the future. The psalmist declares, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (Psalm 37:25).
Givers also give in gratitude and thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross to ransom us and provide us with eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and righteousness. They desire to bless God just as they have been blessed by Him.
All Christians are called to give, so let us give cheerfully, trusting the Lord and seeking His will when making giving decisions. And if you are blessed with the spiritual gift of giving, remember that the Lord is pleased and glorified when you exercise this gift for His name.
Prayer: Father, I pray that I would always be a cheerful giver. I know that You own everything and are the source of all that I need. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Who, Me? Gifted?, Part 5: LISTEN NOW
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