The Power Of Giving

THE

POWER

OF

GIVING

Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D.

One of the most consistent lessons we have to keep learning is that God’s ways and thoughts are not like ours. Our natural tendencies incline us to act and to think in an almost opposite manner from how God approaches things. We must be reminded again and again about basic patterns for successful life in the Kingdom of God. For instance, Jesus tells us, “The last shall be first” and “Whoever wants to be significant should become the servant of all.” Instead of returning insults and blows – like we would naturally think to do – we are told to bless and turn the other cheek. Beneath each of these seemingly impossible admonitions is a power principle of the Kingdom, a truth about how things really work in the cosmos: “The meek shall inherit the earth;” “The merciful obtain mercy;” and “The poor in spirit are satisfied by the Kingdom.” “In many cases, the actions or attitudes that would seem to place us at a disadvantage in the world are the very ones that give us the advantage in the Kingdom. Serving others, loving them unconditionally, showing mercy, being kind to enemies, surrendering, submitting, etc. all give us an advantage even though our natural mind tells us otherwise. The Christmas season of giving, let us look at three of several spiritual powers contained in the act of giving to others. Spiritual Powers of Giving 1. Giving catalyzes spiritual blessing in our lives. a. Acts 20:35 b. Matthew 10:4142 c. Matthew 19:21 2. Giving multiplies the resources in our lives. a. 2 Corinthians 9:610 b. Luke 6:38 3. Giving provides relief from oppression a. Luke 6:2738 b. Matthew 5:3848

The Coastlands, Aptos Foursquare Church