Recently I read that small acts of intentional love actually trigger our brains into releasing oxytocin, which literally lifts our spirits into a natural high state. Giving gives us a positive emotion and a natural high. Maybe that is why GOD calls us to give to others.
GIVE OF YOUR TIME, TALENT AND RESOURCES
Give open-handed, give without a second thought, give until you can’t give anymore……then find a way to give again.
LUKE 6: 30 “GIVE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU, AND IF ANYONE TAKES WHAT BELONGS TO YOU, DO NOT DEMAND IT BACK.”
None of what we have or own is ours anyway because it all comes from GOD. We are blessed so then we bless others. The happiest people are the most giving people.
But here is the thing…….we should be giving more in secret than we do. Don’t we usually want all the credit and the ohs and ahhs from the person? What if we gave more like JESUS said in the Sermon on the Mount:
MATTHEW 6: 3-4 “BUT WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE NEEDY, DO NOT LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND IS DOING, SO THAT YOUR GIVING MAY BE IN SECRET.”
Doesn’t GOD see our giving? And HE sees our motives in the giving too! Yikes. Do we give to be liked or recognized?
GIVING IN SECRET CAN HUMBLE US
GOD’S love is the best gift of all, so are we giving in HIS name and giving HIM the glory and not ourselves? We like to tell ourselves “look what I am doing”, but GOD tells us to look to HIM in the giving. Do it for HIM and HIM alone.
The best kind of giving is sacrificial……..JESUS is the ultimate example because of the sacrifice of HIS life on the Cross for us all. What a gift of grace and love!
How much more then, can our small acts of gift giving be sacrifices for HIM? Giving is a wonderful thing to do, but most of all, giving is an act of love on HIS behalf.
So in this season that is coming, one of thanks and one of giving, let’s not give for the wrong reasons. Let’s check our hearts. Give out of pure joy and love of the LORD and all HE has given you. Remember JESUS is the true gift, give to others for HIM alone, then notice the high it creates. Giving then, becomes an act of worship between you and your SAVIOR. GOD will multiply this way of giving in all sorts of ways……..just try it!
LUKE 6: 38 “GIVE, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU. A GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER AND RUNNING OVER, WILL BE POURED INTO YOUR LAP. FOR WITH THE MEASURE YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED TO YOU.”
HEAVENSREEF 
There is certainly a particular joy we have when we give. God graciously designed us this way, and our human flesh doesn’t really get it. That’s why we must step out in faith, like the priests stepping into the rushing waters of the Jordan before it receded. We don’t always get the joy until after we give.
Thank you for giving, Maxine. ☺️
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Oh Kathy…….I am so blessed by your words. Yes and thank you for all the time you put in (giving) writing your sweet blog that I always go to! You bless me!!
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A beautiful reminder. Giving blesses the recipient and the giver. No matter what it is – time, money, gifts, resources, help, etc. And giving in secret can be such a thrill too! I think in the holiday season people are more willing to give. But I pray we can have a giving heart all year. Thank you, Maxine. Your posts are always inspiring. I pray you are doing well and adjusting to the new medicine. 🙏🏻🤍
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Oh Bridget thank you for your encouraging words. Yes, so far I am doing ok on the new medication. It’s at the 2 month mark that will really tell how I am doing. So I have a way to go, but GOD walks with me one day at a time!! Thanks for remembering me!!
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Giving with a pure heart truly lifts the spirit and honors God. Your words inspire me to check my motives and give more like Jesus did.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your husband.
I am truly grateful for you. 🫂❤️🦃
You Are Loved.
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Oh Willie from our house to yours, may you and your family be blessed this Thanksgiving. So grateful for you and for your continuing writing for the LORD! Just love it all! And…….YOU ARE LOVED TOO!
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