Be a Giver

The definition of the word “give” in the dictionary says, “To transfer freely to the permanent possession of another without asking for anything in return.” Reading this definition clearly puts giving into perspective because most often when we give, we feel we should get

something back. To just give freely without wanting anything back is what giving is truly about. When we give like that, we’re in fact giving the way God intended us to. Oftentimes though, we view ourselves as giving and caring people, but if we really looked at the “giving compartment” of our lives, how would we rate? Are we really giving or are we only giving hoping to receive something back and only when we feel like it?

In Daniel 5:17 we read about a King named Belshazzar who needed an interpretation about what was written on a wall. He had offered to whomever gave the interpretation that they would be rewarded. The reward went as follows. Whoever could give this interpretation they would be clothed with scarlet and have a chain of gold about their neck and they shall be the third ruler in the Kingdom.

This King then brought forth many astrologers, Chaldeans and soothsayers and yet no one could give the interpretation of the writings on the wall. The King then had Daniel brought in and tells him if he can give the meaning of this writing on the wall he will give him the same reward as he offered to the others. Daniel responds this way in verse 17, “Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.”

So here is Daniel being offered so much wealth and power for his services and yet he says basically to the King, “Don’t worry about it. Give my reward to someone else. I will help you with whatever you need, free of charge!” At that moment he gave, in the truest sense of the word.

Then, when all was said and done, the King commanded Daniel be clothed with scarlet, put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the Kingdom, despite what Daniel had said earlier about not wanting it in return for his giving.

What Daniel ended up doing was giving without expecting anything in return. He gave with a pure and true heart. He responded to a need that he knew he could help with and in the end, Daniel received many blessings from his kindness, but that is not why he gave. Deuteronomy 16:17 says this about giving. “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.”

We all need to step up our level of giving because it’s not about us, it’s about others. When we see someone who needs something, we should be first in line to help, whatever kind of need it is, big or small, because God tells us to be givers. God also tells us when we give He will bless us back with many blessings, because that is who God is.

Our reason though for giving should never just be about what we will get back here on this earth because that may never happen. We may never receive a reward from the person here on earth that we gave to, but we know God sees our every move and  will reward us. We must also learn to truly be givers and not just takers, as God Himself is.

God Himself demonstrated true giving when He sent His only son for us, and look what we have received because of God’s giving. When He gave His only son, He still knew there would be those who would say “no” to His son Jesus. Yet, he gave us His son anyway because of His pure love for us.

We have to learn that being a giver in life is not an option. It’s a requirement, especially if we want our lives to emulate Jesus Christ. God gave us His best and we need to always give others our best. To give without any strings attached or to even be expecting a thank you in return but just to give freely!

What About You?

1. Would others say you are a giver or a taker?

2. Do you tend to expect something back when you give?