Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands — all that you can hold. Luke 6:38a, GNT

 

Another story by Hennie Aucamp highlighted a very important concept to me. In this story a lady named Lenie Schoeman said to him: “My child, you will find people who will grab as much as possible, but fortunately others will give as much as possible.”

 

Are you a grabber or a giver? It is not only about money or possessions, but also about time, dedication and love. The most important consideration is my reason for giving and how I do it. If I give expecting something in return, it is not giving, but grabbing. Giving should always be unconditional.

 

What really matters is the heart behind your giving. Let us consider, for example, the car guard at the shopping mall. If I give a tip to just get rid of him/her as quickly as possible, it may as well be worth nothing.

 

If I do not give with earnestness, from the bottom of my heart, it is an empty gesture.

 

God made a promise to those who really give from the heart. In our verse for today, God promises that we will receive “a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands, all that you can hold.” This conjures up a vision of standing with both hands cupped and God pouring out his love till it overflows. When we give from our hearts unconditionally, be it money, love, attention or time, God will, in turn, bless us with a generous helping, unconditionally.

 

In 2 Corinthians 9 from verse 1, Paul wrote about helping fellow Christians. In verse 7 he said: “for God loves the one who gives gladly.” What more can we ask for?

 

Prayer: Please help us to be givers and not grabbers. Help me to give from a heart that is overflowing with gratitude for the new life you gave me. Amen