Change the Way You Look at Giving
"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV)
In order for us to experience harmonious relationships, we must first change the way we look at giving. A healthy relationship is always mutual both giving and receiving. But until we shift our perspective on giving, our relationships may remain filled with chaos, confusion, contention, competition, and comparison. The Apostle Paul thanked the church at Thessalonica for the way they received him. In the same way, God calls us to create harmony in our relationships by embracing a new way of seeing giving. Let’s look at three truths that will transform the way we give.
1. I cannot give you what I do not have.
If I don’t have a million dollars, I cannot give it to you no matter how much I love you. Many of our frustrations come from expecting people to give us something they simply do not have. When they cannot give, it doesn’t mean they don’t love us. They just don’t have it. The same applies to us we cannot give what we don’t possess. Let go of guilt, shame, and disappointment. Release people from what they cannot give and release yourself as well.
2. I will not give you what I need for myself.
On an airplane, you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on yourself first before helping others. The same is true in life. We cannot give away what we truly need for ourselves whether it’s money, time, energy, or emotional strength. God calls us to love Him, love ourselves, and then love others in that order. Take care of yourself, fill your cup, and then give from your overflow. Remember: your cup was never meant to be emptied for others the overflow is what blesses them.
3. I will not give to you hoping to receive from you.
True giving is free from comparison and expectations. We should not give in order to get something back or to keep score. Instead, give cheerfully, freely, and without strings attached. When you give from your heart, the act of giving itself becomes your blessing. Any thanks or appreciation from others is simply a bonus a cherry on top of the sundae. The real reward is knowing that you followed your heart in obedience to God.
If we want strong and harmonious relationships with family, friends, coworkers, church members, and neighbors, we must shift our mindset on giving. Remember these truths:
- I cannot give you what I do not have.
- I will not give you what I need for myself.
- I will not give to you hoping to receive from you.
📖 Reflection: In which area of giving do you need to shift your mindset—expecting from others, over-giving, or giving with expectations?
💡 Action Step: Choose one relationship this week and practice giving freely, without expectation, from a place of overflow.
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