Introduction
Giving should be a lifestyle for children of God. It should not be something we do only when they're in need or there is an emergency. Neither we need a miracle supply or a financial breakthrough. When people give only this way, they make giving or sowing seed look like gambling! Most times, such people don't get what they expect. They get frustrated and say, "This sowing thing is not working." Children of God should give or sow seed always, not waiting until there is a need in their lives. Cultivating a lifestyle of giving to fellow human beings involves shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, viewing generosity not as a sporadic act but as a daily, habitual practice. It is a holistic approach that goes beyond monetary donations to include the sharing of time, talents, kindness, and presence.
Examples in the Bible
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 says, "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth". You should not do one act of kindness and then relax - waiting for the time your charitable deed will be rewarded. You should forget about what you've done and look for other opportunities to show kindness as much as you can. The continuous acts of kindness that constitute what we mean by a lifestyle. It becomes part of you: you feel uncomfortable if you don't do it any day. God loves this kind of giving.
James 2:15-16 says, "Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, 'Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well' - but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?".
The Shunammite woman gave hospitality to Prophet Elisha (1 Kings 17:1-10). The Shunammite woman opens her heart and her home to the prophet Elisha in the narrative found in 2 Kings. Her faithfulness and kindness are rewarded when God blesses her with a son. When the King's son dies as a young boy, God uses Elisha to bring the boy back to life. The Shunammite woman teaches us that we can either be victims or servants in the midst of our own suffering. While some victims of suffering may be unable to serve others, we should aspire to be selfless, even in times of pain. And certainly, the hospitality of the Shunammite woman is an integral part of Jesus' message to his disciples and us when he said, "'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in . . . Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:35, 40). The Shunammite Woman follows this principle when she says "he can stay there [in the guest room] whenever he comes to us."
The wise men gave Jesus gifts (Matthew 2:11). Some women contributed from their resources to support the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus and his disciples (Luke 8:2). Tabitha (Dorcas) was full of good works and did charitable deeds; she provided widows with coats and other garments (Acts 9:36-39).
The Macedonian churches - the Philippians, Thessalonians, Bereans and others in the Macedonian region - gave to the poor saints (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Paul specifically mentioned that the Philippians gave him financial help more than once (Philippians 4:15-18). There are many other examples in the Bible. You should give regularly, voluntarily, generously, and cheerfully; and when you're giving, don't expect from the beneficiaries, a reciprocal gesture. Give, expecting God to reward you; and He knows how He will, and the persons He will use.
Core Principles for a Lifestyle of Giving
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Abundance over Scarcity: Acknowledge that you have enough to share, breaking free from the fear that giving will leave you with nothing.
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Stewardship Mindset: View your resources (time, money, talents) as things you manage on behalf of a higher purpose rather than solely for personal accumulation.
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Proactive Opportunities: Actively look for chances to bless others rather than waiting for requests.
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Heart-Based Generosity: Give with a sincere heart, not out of obligation or expectation of reward, which aligns with the principle that giving is a joy rather than a burden.
Practical Ways to Cultivate the Habit
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Start Small and Consistent: Begin by setting aside a small, manageable amount of money or time regularly, rather than waiting for large windfalls.
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Give Non-Materially: Offer your skills, such as mentoring, tutoring, or helping with manual tasks.
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Practice Active Listening: In a fast-paced world, deeply listening to someone and giving them your full attention is a valuable form of giving.
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Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Simple, unexpected gestures like buying coffee for someone in line or giving a genuine compliment can create a "ripple effect" of goodness.
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Declutter to Donate: Regularly go through personal items and donate what is not being used to those who need it.
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Forgiveness as Giving: Releasing judgment and forgiving others who have wronged you is a profound, albeit difficult, form of giving that brings personal freedom.
Why You Should Cultivate a Lifestyle of Giving
1. Giving is a demonstration of your obedience to God.
God says you should give; you should be generous. God says in Exodus 34:20, "And none shall appear before Me empty-handed". In Luke 6:38, the Bible says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you".
2. Giving brings glory to God.
Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 9:13, "You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts". Giving glorifies God. When you give, you're emulating your Father in heaven, God. God is a giver, a generous giver. He gave His son to save the world (John 3:16). He gave the best to save sinners. He wants you to give regularly, generously, voluntarily, and cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "For God loves the person who gives cheerfully". In addition, to the fact that the giver glorifies God through his giving, the receiver also offers thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12).
3. Giving shows your love for others and fosters loving relationships.
True love gives. You've not shown how much you love until you begin to give. Don't love by words of mouth alone; show it by your actions. That's what 1 John 3:16-18 says.
Giving draws people to you, and draws you to people. Proverbs 14:20b says the rich have many friends. Wealth attracts friends (Proverbs 19:4b). Be generous to others. Jesus says, "Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven" (Luke 16:9). Touch other people's lives with the resources God has given you.
4. There is harvest for your giving.
There is always a harvest time for every seed time (Genesis 8:22). Whatever you sow, you reap (Galatians 6:7). It has been rightly said that whatever you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. "If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD - and he will repay you!" (Proverbs 19:17). If you sow joy into people's life, God will send someone to make you joyful, too. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you".
5. Giving boosts your physical and mental health.
According to Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, a growing body of research has linked different types of giving to greater quality of life. The potential health benefits include greater self-esteem and satisfaction with life, lower risk of depression, better physical health and longer life. Similarly, studies, according to Cleveland Clinic, have found the following health benefits associated with giving: lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less depression, lower stress levels, longer life and greater happiness. Giving makes you feel good! That is if you're not forced or compelled to give.
6. Spiritual Growth:
Bible emphasizes that giving is a spiritual practice that reflects a loving, compassionate nature.
Conclusion
Cultivating this lifestyle often means "erring on the side of generosity" and trusting that, in the cycle of life, what is given with a good heart will return in various forms. Don't be among the people who sit down only expecting people to give to them. Be a giver. Don't say you don't have. There is always something you have that you can give. Jesus said it's more blessed to give than to receive. Make giving your lifestyle.
