Giving with Gusto

For the past 20 weeks we've been studying The Quest for Character, and the focus has been about guarding our heart.  The next 20 weeks we will be studying about giving our heart.  To have well-rounded, or balanced, character it is imperative to open our heart to giving.

Americans are generous.  As a country and individually we give with gusto.  Most of us were taught from a young age that it is better to give than to receive, while others have learned through hardship that giving is a joyful experience.

"Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]."  2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP

 Do you want to be cheerful giver?

Reflect on God's gifts to you. - It's a wonderful exercise to look back on your life and see God's goodness.  I have had 44 years (yes, that's how old I am) of trials, tears, and fears.  But, God was with me through it all.  He pulled me out of some of the darkest pits, and He used others with "giving with gusto" hearts to bring me to this moment where I can share and give back that love.  At this moment I may be financially poor, but He continually opens doors daily as opportunities for me to give.

Remind yourself of His promises regarding generosity. - God calls us to give without strings.  Only give with the expectation of His promises.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6:2-4 NIV

Examine your heart. - Ask yourself:  Is my giving proportionate to my income?  Am I motivated by guilt, or by contagious joy?  If someone else knew the level of my giving to God's work, would I be a model to follow?  Have I prayed about giving, or am I just an impulsive responder?

Trust God to honor consistent generosity. - A few years back when my son needed open-heart surgery, I was fired from my job for taking too many sick days.  I tried to find another job, but because of the uncertainty of my circumstances it was difficult for anyone to hire me.  I went back to my former employer to beg for my job back, but my request was denied.

With feelings of desperation I made my way through the parking lot to my car.  As I was unlocking the door a homeless woman approached me.  She asked if I had any money to spare for a sandwich.  Under a tree a few feet away I saw a baby carriage with her meager belongings.  I asked her about the carriage.  She told me she kept it so she could visit her little girl, who was in foster care, and take her to the park once a week.

Maybe because misery loves company I asked her to tell me her story.  She related a familiar story of abuse from her husband and the inability to give up on their relationship.  How her daughter had gotten in the middle of a fight, and the authorities were called in.  The courts deemed her an unfit mother while she remained with her husband, so the daughter was taken away from her.

Now this woman was struggling with trying to find a job, a place to live, and getting her daughter back.  Even though she had left her husband nobody seemed to believe she was moving on.  Her family just didn't want to take a chance that she wouldn't let him back into her life, so they refused to take her in.

I prayed with her, and knowing I only had 6 dollars in my purse, what remained of my last paycheck, I pulled a 5 dollar bill out and gave it to her.  After asking her if she needed a ride anywhere, I gave her the number to my church.  I told her to contact them, and to tell them I sent her.  Two weeks later I saw her again at a Sunday service.  The next day we went together to a group meeting at a domestic violence center.  The last time I talked to her she had a place to live, was working full time, and the courts were considering letting her have her daughter back.

I do not share that story to brag.  In fact when the woman took that 5 dollar bill my brain was screaming, "What are you doing?  You need that money!"  But my heart was at peace, and God has honored my generosity overwhelmingly.

It breaks my heart to hear so many grumble and complain about who deserves help and who doesn't.  People label giving with terms like "spreading the wealth" or "entitlement programs".  It's a vicious cycle for those truly in need.  NO ONE likes a hand out, but they definitely need a hand up.  Give to your churches with gusto so those in need can go there for help instead of the government.  In the end they will receive so much more than just a hand out.

"Forbid it Lord, that our roots become too firmly attached to this earth, that we should fall in love with things."  Peter Marshall

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