Giving to others brings indescribable pleasure. An inward joy comes to you when you have reached out and helped others. Whether it be in monetary gifts or simply rolling up your sleeves and helping out the old-fashioned way, the act of giving brings its own reward. When you give first, your own personal needs will be automatically taken care of. After all, giving is the Lord’s work. It is Christianity in action. Jesus Christ had something to say about giving to others.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:35-40

In these verses, Jesus was not just speaking about seasonal giving. Of course, during the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas many of us tend to think more often about giving to others. Some people think of giving only around these holidays. It is pleasant to give gifts to children and family, but how much more desirable is it to give gifts to someone who cannot return the favor, to someone who is not expecting anything from you? What about your giving the other 11 months of the year? How can you be a giver during that time?

Many scriptures in the Bible talk about giving. They instruct us how to give, when to give, where to give, why we give and what to give. All these verses are not meant to bring us down, or point a finger in our face and discourage us. They are there to bring us happiness, merriment and a sense of well being! It is wonderful to be a giver in every sense of the word! The unhappy people in life are those who keep everything for themselves. They are the discontented ones who are selfish, living life only to please themselves and chase after their own personal wants.

Giving is fun! Giving is exciting! Just try to give something away without feeling wonderful. The non-giver is a very miserable individual. When you are feeling blue and discouraged, try giving of yourself to others. Give away something and discover what you receive in return. You will receive happiness, hope, a sense of peace and well being, and instant encouragement will come your way. Give even to your enemies. Drive them absolutely crazy with your selflessness and love.

Content © Rich Brott, 2011

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