Giving is a powerful tool.

Look at these verses on the power of giving:

Proverbs 18.16 (NLT) – Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!

Proverbs 19.6 (NLT) – Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

Luke 16.9 (NLT) – Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.

Sometimes we’re guilty of giving for the wrong reasons:

To gain the upper hand – Giving to gain an advantage or future favor.

To manipulate – Bribing is never good, unless you’re being bribed.

To control – Giving just enough to keep people under your thumb.

To flaunt – Showing off, drawing attention to yourself. This kind of giving puts the “I’ve” in gIVE. Look what I’ve given, I’ve done this, I’ve done that.

To remove guilt – As someone who has attempted this (buying back my kids’ affection) I can assure you, it doesn’t work.

The truth is the above-mentioned methods are not really giving at all.

Real giving is:

No strings attached – A true gift expects nothing in return.

Blesses Others – builds and helps the receiver of the gift

Done Freely – “As freely as you’ve received, give…” -Jesus

Cheerful, not begrudgingly – It’s a joy and privilege to give, smile.

Consistent – There are one-time gifts, but the best givers find ways to always give.

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“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” -Les Misérables

Love Gives.