Giving even when it Hurts

Why give when I am struggling so much to meet my expenses is a genuine question? Here are five reasons why giving can be such a blessing to you.

1. Giving is like having the heart of God
God is a giving God. He gave Jesus. When you also give you are showing to the world that you are children of God. So giving is an opportunity to share in God's nature of giving. That is a great privilege.

2. God honors sacrificial giving
God places a high value on people who give out of their poverty. The widow at Zarephath who gave shared her last meal with Elijah (1 Kings 17:12-15) and the widow who gave out of her poverty everything she had to live on (Mark 12:41-44) are examples.

3. Great joy comes to those who give
Giving is like sowing. Those who sow are promised joy in return. The Bible says, ``Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him'' (Psalm 126:5, 6 NIV).

4. The returns are proportional to your giving
God rewards and returns what you give in an exceeding way. But He can give you only according to the measure you use, to give. The Bible says: ``Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly, and whosoever sows generously will also reap generously'' (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV). And again, ``Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you'' (Luke 6:38 NIV).

5. Giving gives you freedom from financial worry
When you give, God starts to bless you. It may not come exactly in the form of money at all times. Peace of mind that you enjoy when you give to God is an example of other ways in which God blesses you.

But when you give, God surely takes away from your life the worry of financial needs. He starts to meet your needs in a variety of ways you might never have dreamed of. You come to know the loving care of your Heavenly Father through having your needs met in unexpected ways. That is the greatest blessing of all:

`` For pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself'' (Matthew 6:32--34a NIV).

Seek God's kingdom first if this promise should work for you. Make giving to God your first priority. Then you will see Him keep His part of the promise.