A Heart To Give – Walking In A Philanthropic Spirit

A Heart To Give – Walking In A Philanthropic Spirit

Have you ever had someone bless you extravagantly, and when you thanked him or her they replied they owed it to you? Recently that happened to me, which caused me to ponder. Why do we give? Is it from compulsion, gratitude, or from a sense of owing the other person? My heart was saddened that this person whom I love deeply felt they owed it to me.

The more I reflected on the thought the more I desired for them to know that they owed me nothing. All that I have ever done for them has been out of love. In fact, I wished beyond measure that I could have done much more for them. My deepest desire is to give lavishly to others and to the work of the Kingdom of God without the thought of what will I receive in return for what I have done.  I have asked the Lord for a philanthropic spirit

One, who is philanthropic, gives from the right motive as they seek not to promote themselves, but to contribute to the welfare of others.  Donating time, money, goods and services generously to benefit others without personal profit is the goal of a true philanthropist.

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Father God gave His best when He sent His son, Jesus, to earth to die for us. Jesus gave everything! He gave His life. We are taught through the Word not to give out of compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:8). So why do we give? Why should we give? What is our heart and mind thinking when we give? These are important questions because if we are giving only to receive more – is that the correct motive?

God doesn’t give from compulsion, or from feeling that He owes humanity, but He gives because He loves humanity. “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten son…” (John 3:16).

God desires that we might know Him and His heart towards us. He wants us to live a full life of blessing and prosperity (3 John 1:2). He doesn’t ask us to give because we owe Him, but because He desires for us to have a stronger love for Him then money or things. He cares about the nature of our heart.

The little that I have been able to do here on earth seems so irrelevant to God’s faithfulness in giving and forgiving. Sure we all mess up sometimes with our motive when our intent is off. But we can ask the Lord to give us a philanthropic spirit, which is free from poverty thinking. Once we see the power of giving reciprocity is able to take flight.

Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things or monies with others, which brings mutual benefit thus blessing individuals, organizations, and countries. Reciprocity is a natural conscience or principle of giving. Luke 6:38 states, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full–pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Reciprocity is amazing and it works for it truly is a Kingdom principle. Yet, when one operates with a philanthropic spirit our motive for giving isn’t for personal gain or profit, but a godly demonstration of love.

Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Paul voices his gratitude in Philippians 4: 16-18 for the gifts he was given from others. He said, “For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs once and again. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

When we give let our gifts be a “sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, which is pleasing to God.” I ask the Lord that He might be gracious to us in that the Holy Spirit might teach us benevolence so we walk in a philanthropic spirit to touch the World with love as we give.

Norine is a lifelong learner, international speaker, minister, writer, mother, and friend. You can find her at: NorineRae.com.

 

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A Heart To Give – Walking In A Philanthropic Spirit
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