This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Power of Fellowship.” Yesterday we took at look at Acts 20:35, where pointed you to the Apostle Paul quoted Jesus. Paul tells us that Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Another translation reads, “You will have a greater blessing when you give than when you receive.” In yesterday’s message I shared 3 reasons why it is better to give than to receive, within the context of this series. Today I will 3 more.
So what does this mean to you today? Here are a few reasons why there is a special blessing associated with giving.
1. Godly mainly blesses humans through humans.
a) God is God, so He can do whatever He wants, however He wants. He can bless us directly and He often does, for us who have a relationship with Him. But the reality is that most humans are not intimate with God. They do not know Him personally. They cannot hear His voice. So if our God, who cannot be seen, wants to reach these people, He does so through people who can be seen. This is where you come in. God wants to use you to be a conduit of His light and love in the world.
b) When God was talking to Abram about creating a nation that would be his, the point was always about BEING a blessing to others. God said to Abram, “I will make of you a great nation, and I WILL BLESS YOU and make your name great, SO THAT you will BE a blessing.” (Gen. 12:2). The goal of God’s blessing is so we can BE a blessing to others. This is why God is not opposed to blessing you abundantly. He will give you MORE THAN enough of everything, so you can be in a position to BE a blessing to others. The purpose of prosperity is evangelism. You are blessed TO BE a blessing. Never forget it!
c) The definition for ministry that I use is one I received from Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe. He said, “Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.” Will you be that loving channel today?
2. Giving joyfully makes God happy.
a) Yesterday I told you that giving makes US happy. But it also makes God happy. The Apostle Paul spells it out for us. He said, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 8:1). When we give as joyful expression of the love God has placed in our heart, it pleases our heavenly Father.
b) When you give and your heart is in your giving, you are imitating or replicating God (Eph 5:1). Because He gives and His heart is in His giving. Simply put, God loves it when you give with pure intentions, because in that moment, you are showing people what He is like.
c) Determine to make your heavenly Father happy today and everyday. Live to give, and make sure your heart is in your giving.
3. Giving increases our social connectedness, which is the point of this series.
a) This series is about fellowship. When we give to others, it does something for the connection we have to them and them to us. It makes us feel closer to them.
b) Being kind and generous helps you to make connections with others in ways that please God. You were created to be part of a social community. When you seek to BE a blessing to others you become a conduit of God’s love and grace in the community you have been assigned to. But remember, your heart must be in it. If you are doing it to be seen, or doing it to be recognized on social media, then as far as God is concerned, you are doing nothing at all. Your heart must be in your giving, whether you are giving money, or you are giving a hug. Make sure you do it from the heart.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, You have been extremely good to me. Like Abrhaam, You have blessed me richly. I am blessed TO BE a blessing. The purpose of my prosperity is evangelism. I minister to others out of the overflow You have placed in my life. I give and my heart is in my giving. This pleases You. Because it is a reflection of Your heart on this planet. I enter this day determined to connect with others in ways that please You. I am a conduit of Your love and Your light in this world! And I do all I do from the heart! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
