Have you bought something for someone else and you couldn’t wait to give it? You knew s/he would love it and you waited eagerly for his/her reaction. You were experiencing a happiness that comes from God.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

That is also how we are to give ourselves to others. We give our money, time, sympathy, patience, etc to our brothers and sisters for their sake. And we do this sacrificially and at a cost to ourselves knowing that we will experience God more fully when we do this.

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Cor. 8:10

Of course, the prosperity gospel people have used (abused?) this verse for earthly gains – if we give, God will pay back to us multiple times. That is not the point of this verse. It means that when we give sacrificially, in case we are worried about our own needs being met, know that there is a heavenly Father who will provide for us if we are obedient to Him.

Has your lifestyle been affected because of your sacrificial giving? No? You are probably not giving enough…

Give, so that you may be happier!

Laboring for you joy,

PH