Give It Away

Solomon offers great insight into what it means to live a rich and meaningful life. He says, “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days” (Eccl. 11:1). The principle of reciprocity comes into play in many walks of life: in giving to meet the needs of the poor, in sharing the gospel with the lost, and in loving our neighbor as ourselves.

In regard to giving, the Bible is filled with examples that show us that, in giving, we are the greater recipients. Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. They pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Lk. 6:38). Jesus tells us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). His faithful servant, the apostle Paul, says that the one “who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and [the one] who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Give as God teaches and experience the great blessings which attend such giving.

We might think of evangelism as giving away our faith. It is in sharing our faith with others that our own faith is strengthened. Conversely, it is in keeping our faith to ourselves that it becomes cold and lifeless (Mt. 24:12). One of the most effective ways for us to reach out to others is by showing them how important our faith is to us. When Debbie Fields, the founder of the cookie company that bears her name, started in business, she went several days without a customer. Then, she baked a tray of cookies and went out on the sidewalk and began giving them away. It wasn’t long before people followed her back into her store to buy her cookies. Today, with more than 700 stores, she still uses the same technique. Don’t hide your faith under a basket, show others how much Jesus means to you and folks will soon be asking questions about your hope
(1 Pet. 3:15).

A familiar childhood song tells us that love is nothing until we give it away. Then, having given it away, we end up having more. Love replenishes itself in the act of giving. Love dries up a selfish heart that refuses to share with others. We have a choice—give it away or keep it to ourselves. Giving is the better way for us and for all those with whom we come into contact. Be like Jesus and be a giver today!          ~Glen Eliot