Ten reasons why we should give
(from Michael Wakeley: Generosity (IVP)
1. God is generous and calls us to imitate him (Read Ephesians 5.1-2)
2. Jesus Christ commands generosity (Matt 5.42)
3. Generosity proves the reality of our love (I John 3.17)
4. Giving is an honour and a privilege (II Cor 8.3-4)
5. We shall receive if we give (Luke 6.38)
6. It stores up riches in heaven for us (Matt 6.19-20)
7. It guarantees us the promise of blessing (Acts 20.35)
8. By giving, we are able to support others in times of need (Acts 2.44-45)
9. There are so many poor people who need our help (Gal 2.10)
10. The church of Christ needs the help of God's people (Acts 11.29)
11. Christian workers need the help of God's people (Phil 4.15-16)
12. People will be thankful for us and pray for us (II Cor 9.13)
The whole book is very worth while reading;
you will not be the poorer for acting on Michael Wakeley's motivation
& advice.
…and if you're totally penniless and have nothing to give (and sometimes
these gifts are more precious than money)…
Priceless gifts to give for free
(from Barbara Johnson: Daily Splashes of
Joy (Thomas Nelson)
The gift of listening: No interrupting, no day-dreaming, no planning your
response. Just listen.
The gift of affection: Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats
on the back and hand-holding.
The gift of laughter: Share articles, funny stories and cartoons, just
to tell someone, I love to laugh with you.
The gift of a compliment: A simple and sincere You look great in red,
You did a super job, or that was a tremendous meal can make someone's
day.
The gift of solitude: Be sensitive to times when others want nothing more
than to be left alone.
The gift of a cheerful disposition: The easiest way to feel good is to
extend a kind word to someone, even if it's just saying Hello or Thank-you.
The gift of prayer: Let your friends and loved ones know you pray for
them then do it.
Geoffrey Elliott
