The joy of giving

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”

Our Bible verse for today: “Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardships.” Philippians 4:14 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “The joy of giving”

This morning, I want to continue our thinking from yesterday regarding the joy we get when we help others in need, but now I want us to think more generally about the joy of giving.

As I write this, we are in the Christmas season. It’s the season of giving, and we all know what a pleasurable thing it is to watch someone open a gift you prepared for them with much thought and love. That’s an example of the joy we receive from the act of giving. God wants us to be generous people who give freely and joyfully. It’s the right thing to do and it’s the Biblical thing to do.

Why is it the right thing and the Biblical thing to give freely and joyfully to others? For many reasons. As we have already discussed, in verse 14 Paul applies that question to the issue of the Philippians having acted on his behalf in his time of need. From beginning to end, the Bible is packed full of God’s instructions to His people to use their provisions to be a blessing to others in need. The Philippians did that for Paul.

Also, as I noted in yesterday’s devotional message, another reason it’s so important for God’s people to give generously to those in need is because this is the way God usually meets the needs of people – He does it through human channels. He could rain down blessings miraculously like manna from heaven, but usually he uses His people as conduits for His blessings to flow to others. James 1:27; James 2:14-17; Matthew 25:35-36; 40 all speak to this.

Another reason it’s so important for God’s people to be generous givers is that it is through this kind of generous giving that God builds His kingdom. Isaiah 58:10; 1 Timothy 6:17-18 teach that God uses our generous acts of kindness, compassion, and provisions to meet physical needs, which then gains a willing audience who will listen to the Good News of the Gospel.

But also, and more to our point here about the joy of giving, there are many blessings to be reaped by the giver of the gifts – one of which is joy for yourself.

The fact is that there is joy in giving. Whether it’s generous giving to a person in need, or the simple giving of gifts to friends and loved ones at Christmastime, there is real joy for you in being the giver of gifts on God’s behalf.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville)

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