Give Freely

God has freely and richly given to us so that we can give freely to others.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”—Romans 8:32 NASB

Giving is important to God. This became clear in the very first chapter of the Bible, for the entire act of creation demonstrated His desire to share His riches. He wanted to have a people who could experience the bounty of His blessings. No one forced Him to share His abundance, yet He created the world and then gave us dominion over it (Genesis 1:26–28).

When sin entered the world, God could have abandoned us. Instead, He gave of Himself. He sent His only Son to die for our sins. It was His gift, something we could never merit.

God continues to give to us. Our lives overflow with things we don’t deserve but have been given: our minds and bodies, direction and guidance, His Word and Spirit, talents, abilities, time, energy, and life itself.

As God demonstrates giving and a love of giving, He’s establishing a pattern for us to follow. Paul wrote, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) because God Himself loves to give, and He delights when we understand this truth and enter the spirit of giving.

Look at your life, and think about God’s example of generosity toward you. Realize that He has blessed you freely, not so you can hoard your blessings, but so you can freely bless others. Look for ways to give from the bounty with which God has blessed you.

Reflection Question: What are you giving today—to God and to others?