Open Heart and Extended Hands 8-28-26

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Giving is Caring

I started writing this message yesterday as a follow up on how God gives us all things to richly enjoy. In that passage, the rich (God’s children) have been given to the charge to take care of those who have less.

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Enjoy things but not let things be our first priority.

While reading Charles Stanley’s message, it was confirmed to continue  writing today’s message, and I said “Thank You Lord”

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There are two reasons I want to place emphasis on regarding the poor. Many people don’t have as much as others; poor in this world yet they are rich in Christ.

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (James 2:5)

Paul knew what it was to have and to not have: I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything (Philippians 4:12) NLT

It could very well mean that they are not walking in obedience to God’s Word (Deuteronomy 28)- blessings of obedience and cursing of disobedience). Whatever the case, that is not our business; we who have are commanded by God to distribute to (help) the poor.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9.

Examples:

Abraham; a wealthy giver - I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. (Genesis 12:2)

Another wealthy man; hoarder - Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’  So, he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.  

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21).

Warning to the rich in Christ who are hoarders- Even though the parable indicates that the man who hoarded his possessions was not saved, the principle is the same for the people of God.

 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be (Matthew 6:19-21).

Reminder- None of us brought anything into this world and we will carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:7).

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org