In Pursuit of FreedomSample

Day 3 – Free to Give

“As for the rich, charge them to not set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they make take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (summarized)

The idea that giving is better than receiving is a widely held belief, even by many who do not follow Christ. Giving brings joy to the giver, a sense of loving, honoring, or serving another well. But for the Christian, it is even more than this. When we consider Him who gave His very life so that we could have life eternal…we begin to view generosity in a wholly different light. 

The gift offered to us in Jesus’ death and resurrection guaranteed our freedom. Freedom from lasting punishment, freedom from an eternal death, freedom from hell itself. Our souls are free because of His sacrifice, from His willingness to face that which only He could defeat. 

Yet it is not only a future of freedom we are promised because of His work on the cross. We are free even in the here and now, even amidst this broken world. It is from this place of assuredness that we are able to freely give. We are free to give our lives, our time, our treasures, and our hearts to others because He first gave us His. As we do, we will find both a purpose and a joy we could not have otherwise known. 

How can you give of yourself today? Who in your life needs a helping hand, a listening ear, or maybe just a cup of coffee? Ask the Holy Spirit to put someone in your path who needs something you can give – whether it’s a few minutes, a few dollars, or a few words of encouragement and hope. Who knows how the Lord will speak to someone through your generosity today.

Verses for Reflection

Deuteronomy 15:10

Proverbs 11:24-25

2 Corinthians 9:11