Giving Is at the Heart of Everything God Does
Join us because One Day of Giving can lead to a Lifetime of Change.
In our chaotic and hectic existence, it seems as if everyone is asking us to give something. Our time. Our money. Our loyalty. Our lives. And while most of what we give on this earth if finite and limited, there is an aspect of selflessness that lasts for an eternity. As we approach another “Giving Tuesday,” I am reminded of the One started the idea in the first place.
Giving is the Heart of God.
When we reflect on God’s nature and the essence of His relationship with humanity, one theme emerges repeatedly: giving. From the creation of the world to the promise of eternal life, God’s actions are marked by a selfless generosity that knows no bounds. His love for His creation reflects the heart of everything God does.
The most profound example of God’s giving nature is found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This scripture reminds us that God’s love is so deep and so powerful that He gave His Son to save us. This act of sacrificial love underscores the essence of God’s heart: to give abundantly and without condition.
God’s gift of grace is not something we earn or deserve. It is a free and unmerited favor, given out of His overflowing love for us. Each day, we experience this grace in the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of new beginnings. Just as God has poured out His grace upon us, we are called to reflect His giving heart in our actions toward others.
From the very beginning, God’s giving nature was evident in the creation of the universe. He created a world rich with beauty, resources, and life, and He placed humanity in the midst of it with everything we needed to thrive. The lush landscapes, the vibrant oceans, the sun that warms us, and the rain that nourishes the earth—all of these are gifts from God.
Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Yet, God has shared His creation with us generously, entrusting us with His treasures and inviting us to steward them wisely. Each breath we take, each meal we enjoy, and each moment we experience is a reminder of God’s generosity and care.
Beyond the grand act of creation, God continues to provide for our daily needs. Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” God’s heart is moved to care for every aspect of our lives, from our physical sustenance to our spiritual growth.
God’s provision is not just about meeting our needs but doing so abundantly. Ephesians 3:20 declares that He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” This reflects God’s generous spirit—a heart that loves to give more than we could ever hope for.
Understanding that giving is at the core of God’s character should inspire us to live out that same spirit of generosity. When we give—whether it’s our time, resources, or love—we are imitating our Creator and reflecting His heart to the world. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In giving, we not only bless others but experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning our hearts with God’s.
Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, presents a beautiful opportunity to put this mindset into action. It’s a day dedicated to generosity, a day when we can collectively make a difference in the lives of those in need. As we give, we echo God’s love, bringing hope and light to our communities. Every gift we offer—no matter how small—can reflect God’s heart, by being a tangible expression of His love.
So, when someone asks you to give this holiday season, and you feel that “twinge” that maybe you’ve given enough already, remember, God has never said that about you. Thank God, he didn’t.