Giving to Others Doesn't Just Mean Your Money
Giving your money is a biblical concept. In fact, Christians are told to give their money to the Lord cheerfully, because “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV). But our money isn’t the only thing we are told to give.
Giving to others is about more than just giving your money, it means giving your time and talents too.
Each of us has been given different gifts and talents from the Lord. Some of us are incredible musicians while others are exceptional chefs.
God does not give us gifts and talents to be wasted, He gives us gifts for a purpose: to serve others and glorify Him.
The Bible says that “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV). We are to use our gifts to serve others.
This may look different for each of us. For those of us with exceptional people skills, it might mean visiting nursing home residents who rarely receive visitors.
For those of us who are skilled carpenters, it might mean providing new houses for those affected by a natural disaster.
Giving our money means a lot, but giving our time means more. Stepping out of our comfort zone and stepping into someone’s brokenness sparks great compassion in us that giving our money does not always do.
It also shows those in need how much we truly care about them. We can always make back the money, but we can never get back time. Which shows more love to those receiving our gift?
We are also given our talents to glorify God. When we use our talents to serve others and we steward the gifts the Lord has given to us well, that pleases and glorifies God.
God wants us to do more, to give more than just our money, He wants us to be good and faithful servants who love Him and love others and demonstrate that love by giving of our talents.
How can you give to others through your talents today? May we seek opportunities to love others with our service daily and glorify God in all that we do.
