A giving hand is an open hand. We all have opportunities to give. The question is: how much to give? We pay bills, make sure there’s money in the savings account, give to the church, and give to charity.

When two people are involved in giving it gets tricky. There needs to be agreement.

Jerry is a very giving man. He grew up in a home with a single working mom who barely made enough income each month. His giving hand is open and generous.

I have an open hand as well but come from a different perspective. I was raised in a home that wasn’t wealthy, but we had enough to take vacations and purchase what we needed.

Jerry and I purposefully try to give 10% and more to the church, give to charities that speak to our heart, and to others who have a need. But there has to be a limit. We need to be able to take care of ourselves now and in the future. What a balancing act! God knows that, and we can find scriptures for giving that tell us:

2 Corinthians 8: Excel in the grace of giving.

Matthew 10: Freely you have received, freely give.

2 Corinthians 9: Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

As a couple, when opportunities come our way, we need to Stop, Look, and Listen. Stop and Look at where we are right now and try to gain perspective on the other person's situation. What do they truly need? Listen to the Holy Spirit. Is He speaking to me?

But sometimes we need to just give because we have decided to. We already know what the spirit says because he has spoken to us. Do we need to know the person's situation to help them?

The Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 stopped because he saw a need. Did he pause to count the pros and cons, the cost in time and money? No, he did what needed to be done. I think that’s what Jesus is telling us.

If someone is put into your life that you see needs help, then help them if you can. With our hearts open and hands unclenched, we can learn to give and receive, with grace and mercy. God has called us to help the weak, weary, lonely, and poor.

Jerry and I have struggled with communication in our relationship, but like a see-saw, sometimes up and sometimes down, we land in the middle most of the time. Our difference in perspective has given us strength and helped us grow. 

 

Comments

  1. Jerry HignightJanuary 6, 2025 at 6:26 AM

    I couldn't agree more with the thoughts that you have expressed, Janet. Generally speaking, there needs to be a balance between giving and saving up for yourself. If we give away so much that we don't have enough to meet our own obligations, then we have given too much. But if we surround ourselves with everything that we want and need and refuse to give to someone who has a genuine need then we are keeping too much. Each person has to decide for themselves. Lean on the Holy Spirit and give from your heart to those who God puts in your path using money that you can spare. Make your giving a gift, expecting nothing in return. After all, in the end, you are giving to God for His glory. There is no better use for money!

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