No one has ever become poor by giving.
-Anne Frank

Giving is such an important part of our joy and happiness but it’s also something that we don’t do as often as we should. We tend to focus on what’s in it for me or what benefit do ‘I’ get out of it but what if we just stepped outside of that for a moment and started asking ourselves “what can I do for others” instead of “what can they do for me.”

You might find, by getting your thoughts off yourself, that there is someone around you who needs your help, it may be a neighbor, a co-worker or even your own family members.

I know I had that revelation recently with my own family, here the things that I take for granted daily are luxuries to some of them, and mind you, these ‘luxuries’ that I now have were once the things I only prayed for.

It’s so easy to want to get ahead, to gain more, and achieve more, which is not wrong but the problem lies when we affix our eyes on ourselves and completely disregard those around us who need our help.

So make it a point to give to someone each and every day and I don’t mean just dish out your money, giving can include giving of your time, your services – simply giving of yourself to meet whatever need someone may have.

You definitely won’t become poor from it but you can guarantee your heart will be rich with joy because of it.

And just to add an important side note, do not only apply this to people but more importantly apply it to God; we are quick to ask him to give us things or to get us out of situations (we often got ourselves into in the first place) but how about if we put our own selfish cares aside and instead did something for Him.

His word is filled with scriptures of giving, if He has blessed you with wealth then you should use it to bless others, if He has blessed you with wisdom then you should use it to bless others, if you are a healthy, walking, talking human being and even if you’re not, you can still be a blessing to others.

Luke 12:48 says “…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.”

The need to give is deep-rooted in our hearts and I think that’s to keep us from becoming selfish and self-centered; I would advise, if you are in fact selfish and self-centered, take a good look at what your mind and heart is fixed on, if you’re selfish within it will show from without.

“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

My challenge for you, is that you will look around and see who may be in need, it could be as simple as giving a smile or a kind word to someone having a bad day, or buying a meal for someone who’s homeless, it could be giving your time to volunteer or giving your time to pray.

As always, I would love to hear to your thoughts on this topic so please share in the comments below!

God bless.