We are valued by what we give, not what we have

Bottom line: Giving makes you rich, not receiving. 

Teaching

It is natural to think that the more we acquire possessions and stock them up, the more we will get wealthy. Well, the kingdom of God functions the opposite way. In God’s kingdom, we are valued more based on our giving, not on our receiving. The ones who give are the blessed ones.

When we give to the needy and society, we are blessed beyond what we give.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 11:24 (ESV)

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Luke 6:38 (KJV)

However, this scripture doesn’t mean that we give because we want to receive in return. We give because it is the nature of Christ in us. Each time we give to God and others, we reflect the character of the living God, who gives to all and receives from none.

God does not use the same scale to value men as man does. Man looks at your net worth which is the total of your assets minus your liabilities. But God looks at how much you have given out unconditionally to others.

The Bible says you are the light of the world. This means that you are set to shine light wherever there is darkness. 

¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)

There are lots of people out there that are experiencing darkness in various ways. Some are sick and can’t pay the hospital bills, others can’t afford a decent meal for their children, others are homeless and have no place to lay their heads, and others are jobless yet talented. All these people around you experiencing such darkness are waiting for you to shine the light of God’s love over their lives. This is the purpose why you were born in such a time as this.

Increase your value in the kingdom today by becoming the answer to these people’s prayers. Shine the light of God so that men may glorify your father who is in heaven.

Further Study:

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 [But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.]

Reflection

• How often do you seek out the needy around you?
• How often do you engage in social outreach programs organized by your local church?

Prayer:

Thank you, dear Lord, for blessing my bread and water and causing an increase in everything I do. I pray that you help me share your blessings in my life with my loved ones, my community, and my friends in Jesus’ name. Amen.