The Grace to Give

For the mighty, even to give away is grace. ~ Aeschylus

We have talked about the Courage to Give and the Gift of Giving…not very easy to digest and/or live by but if you ask me, these are coming at an appropriate time as we prepare for Christmas – the Season of Giving....and it was totally unplanned. I guess that's the beauty of letting God guide you in whatever you do...life has so much more meaning that way - Isaiah 30:21 is one of my favourite verses; look it up and see what you think.

Back to the subject...

“Grace” means many things; in this piece it refers to the “Generosity of spirit”. We know it is possible to give without loving - there is little value in such giving. As Christian women, we should learn to give because we’re glad to give…maybe that’s what the title of this piece should have been - well, let's go on...

Giving is not easy…because it’s difficult to “let go” (sounds like I’m talking out of 2 sides of my mouth). Ok, this is how I see it…everyone, or at least most people, like receiving and keeping things for a particular reason or for no reason or keep things for a season or all seasons. For example, previously whenever someone gave me something, I tended to hold on to it for as long as possible – it just held some sentimental value for me - sounds familiar? (P.S. I even used to save wrapping paper.)

Even when someone else said they like that thing, rather than to give “mine” up, I'd buy them the same or similar thing if I wanted to give it to them and could afford it. See what I mean by “not easy because it’s difficult”? Thankfully, God blessed me with a husband who is a giver…he constantly reminds me that "to get I must give". Yes, I know that even the Bible says so in different parts including Luke 6:38:
“Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.” (Amplified Bible)

And this doesn’t relate only to money and/or giving to God – I know that’s one of the most common applications of this verse. Giving relates to every aspect of life. Sometimes, giving is as “difficult” as going through your home and wardrobe and giving out things that are still usable but no longer useful to you – as you may have outgrown them or giving out things that are still useful to you that may be more useful to other people.

Some examples come to mind quickly…no, I won't share those. Rather, I encourage you to look through your home and wardrobe and identify things you can bless others with… Now let's be clear: to get you must give - the law of sowing and reaping; however, you do not give to get - i.e. that should not be your motive for giving. You should give because you want to, not because you want to get more...now that brings another perspective in...

It won't be easy to let go of some of those things you may or not have some sentimental value for. “Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.” (Anonymous)

God can give you the grace to give - He promises to in 2 Corinthians 9:7-10:  "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." (New Int'l Version)

God loves cheerful givers and gives us the grace to give....

...let's abound in that good work.