I read this the other day and I thought it was pretty interesting. This report I was reading says that individuals who are engaged in their communities, practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering and giving of their time and resources to help others report a higher rate of well-being.
The same is true when it comes to our spiritual well-being. Giving is the foundation of our faith for God so loved the world that he gave.
Luke 6:38 (AMP)
38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
Giving is a hot topic in Christian circles, in fact it is such a hot debate that some pastors stay clear from it, while others have taken it overboard. My observation is that many of us have put giving in a box. Mention giving and we think of money, tithes and offerings but that is just but a tip of the iceberg. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive.
Aside from the money you give in church, what else are you giving? Money is the cheapest thing to give. God did not give us his money, he gave up his life for us and thus he asks that we also give our lives to him.
When was the last time you went out on a giving spree and I am not talking about money. Giving your time to someone, giving your gifting to make somebody’s life better, giving your expertise freely to make your community better. Giving of your resources to help someone who has a burden that is weighing them down.
We have dozens of opportunities to give every day. The reality is that we are not that interested to give and that is why we do not notice them, we are so self-focused and selfish. We are not ready to pay the price because any kind of giving has to cost you something otherwise it is not giving at all.
So you want to be spiritually healthy? Connect with God and with other believers, activate your faith because faith without works is dead, be aware of the enemy and his tactics, be aware of the power and authority you have in Christ Jesus, Study Study Study, keep learning and GIVE!