#55: The God who Gives

The principle of giving and receiving is deeply ingrained in the fabric of creation itself, as illustrated by the abundance and generosity of nature. Just as the sun, water, soil, and even deserts give forth their blessings, God expects us to give back to Him in abundance.

Our foremost offering to God is our lives themselves. In the same way that God gave us life, we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to His service. This includes dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His kingdom.

Abraham's willingness to offer his son Isaac and Hannah's vow to dedicate her son Samuel are powerful examples of giving back to God the very lives He has blessed us with. Similarly, Anna's lifelong devotion to serving God in the temple demonstrates the profound impact of giving one's time abundantly to the Lord.

When it comes to material wealth, we are reminded of Jesus' own sacrifice – though rich, He became poor for our sake, that through His poverty we might become rich in Him. Generosity is not only about monetary wealth but also about the attitude of the heart. God delights in a cheerful giver, one who gives freely and joyfully, without reservation.

The story of the miserly man who learns the joy of giving underscores the transformative power of generosity. Just as God gave His Son out of love for the world, we are called to emulate His sacrificial love by giving generously to others.

Ultimately, our giving reflects our faith and trust in God's provision. As we sow bountifully, we can trust that God will make all grace abound toward us, ensuring that we have more than enough to abound in every good work. Let us, therefore, give freely and generously, knowing that in doing so, we participate in God's eternal principle of giving and receiving.