This may be a time in your life when you feel like you’re continuing to run into walls. Perhaps you’ve done all that you know to do. Perhaps you’ve followed all instructions unabatedly, but your honorable expectations have gone unfulfilled. On top of that, inflation may seem to be causing even more setbacks concerning your plans for success.

As I was preparing to give a gift to someone earlier this year, it suddenly occurred to me that I had been giving gifts to the person for years–in many ways–but that the person had never given me a gift (not even a card) over all those same years. As the thought occurred to me, I began to allow my thoughts to travel throughout my home, deliberately peeking into drawers and closets with my mind’s eye, wracking my brain to determine if this was true. Gobsmacked, I realized that it was!

For days, I wondered why I had never thought about that a single time in all those years prior… Subsequently, I had an unexpected issue arise where someone had stiffed me on a large sum of money expected for services that I’d rendered, prohibiting me from being able to give to the person like I’d planned to, in fact I wasn’t able to give at all because of the unexpected deficit in my finances.

Of course, I prayed that the person who owed me money would cough it up and stop making lame excuses. Nonetheless, I also realized that my initial thinking that it may be my flesh (or the devil) that had influenced me to think that I had given a lot to someone who’d never given me a thing, was in fact, wrong. Actually, it was God, my heavenly Father, advising me. Ultimately, I rested in the revelation that God was dealing with them and not with me, albeit it was indirectly through me. I realized that my delayed cash flow, in causing my inability to give, was also arresting the other person’s attention, regarding their lack of Spirit-led giving–not only to me, but in general.

Some people, in their thinking, have elevated themselves to the expectation that they should be celebrated by everyone–that their giving is more special to God and humanity than yours is… That God is so pleased with their works that He moves the “little people” to serve them in their giving, and that that’s how it should be, a one-way street of receiving–because surely, they’re wiser in handling resources. Beware, they will source Scripture to corroborate their prideful thinking. Suppose the time comes when you’re in need? You can believe that these self-focused individuals will not be moved to assist you. In fact, they’ll be moved to kick you when you’re down–even callously using Scripture to condemn you. Howbeit, your consistent giving will guarantee that God will have your back, come hell or highwater!

Moreover, when it comes to giving money or gifts, some are merely of a poverty mentality, hoarding in fear, effectively cutting off their own blessings as well.

These mentalities can cause people to give only to those whom they see as greater than themselves, with the motive being to receive, receive, receive. They are advantageous givers, thinking “What’s in it for me?” These people are not necessarily self-centered, rather it’s that they’re drunk with the Kool-Aid that has been spiked with false, humanistic doctrines and faulty interpretations of Scripture. Whereas the Bible teaches that we should all be charitable in our giving, especially to those in need, or to those who are reliant on our giving. For example, the widows, orphans, and priests–all defenseless against poverty in biblical times, as well as in today’s time, in many cases. Scripture admonishes, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith“ (Galatians 6:10). In fact, the giving of tithes is for the needs of the household of faith, including all those herein. But that’s a whole other subject…

Therefore, this is what I’ve learned about Righteous Giving and it will bless you during times of need:

Give obediently– not emotionally, caught up in a moment of reverie or having been guilt shamed. Nor in keeping score–‘tit for tat’–but as led by Holy Spirit regarding where and to whom to give of your substance.

Give cheerfully– not begrudgingly, but with faith and the expectation of an inner and lasting change in both you and through you, to others.

Give intentionally– trusting God’s leading to make an impact through your obedience. Get an understanding of the vision or the need you’re supporting, anticipating lasting results. Only what you do for Christ will last until the day of redemption.

Give generously– if your gift is stingy, your power is thereby limited, your influence is limited, and your harvest (return) is limited. Expect Heaven’s accounting to be accurate and fair. Let your faith and obedience to God meet your needs, as you will sometimes be constrained to give sacrificially.

Give expectantly– offering from your personal supply to the kingdom, to reap benefits not only for the kingdom but also for yourself and your work herein. By this, the exponential influence of Godly authority in the earth will be accomplished–through YOUR giving in the earth. Your expectation should be that His “will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” (Matthew 6:10, KJV). And this should be your greatest expectation, to advance His kingdom and to bring Him glory.

Having done all, in all your doing you may then REJOICE! Why? Because if you are a sower, you will always have seed! God consistently “supplies seed to the sower.” Your seed pouch will never be empty, and your seeds sown in good soil will produce a great harvest.

“What’s in your wallet?” Perhaps it’s a result of your sowing? Your seeds of faith, when planted, will be watered by the Spirit of God, and the Son of God will shine upon your seedlings as they come forth in manifestation! Your seed, by law, will then produce more seeds! Seeds “according to its kind;” i.e., like itself (Genesis 1:12, ESV).

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10, NIV

Remember, it’s not so much the size of your gift as compared to another’s, but the size and condition of your heart to obey, in both giving and receiving. An immutable law is this: Seeds always reproduce much larger than their size.

M. J. Smith

“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.” Luke 6:38, NLT

Thoughts? Revelations? Testimonies or comments? I’d love to hear from you! Please FOLLOW my blogs and respond accordingly. Blessed day to you!

“Righteous Giving,” 4/9/2022 appeared first on Falcon’s Vision LLC: Bridging the Gap Between Surviving and Thriving, by inspirational author M. J. Smith.

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