Giving

This article was originally published here, on May 21, 2009. 

"Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered" (Prov. 21:13).

Stinginess reveals a heart that does not understand grace. The Scripture repeatedly warns against having the power to do good and failing to do it. Stinginess reflects the heart of Satan through the exaltation of self. The stingy person is concerned with their own preservation (and often comfort). More often than not, the stingy heart believes it is appropriate to lavish itself in luxury.

Wealth is never given to us in order to give us security. There is no security in money. If you don't believe me, ask yourself: Why are there banks where we lock away our money? Why do we buy insurance? Why are banks insured? How come people with lots of money never say, "Enough," and stop taking money for what they do?

The Lord grants wealth to us so that we can imitate his grace. Imagine that a homeless man approaches you and asks you for money. How do you respond? Many of us are tempted to rationalize ourselves out of giving him money, because he might misappropriate it. Some might conclude that he'll just buy booze with it, and with that justification they ignore the request. In failing to assist this homeless man, they are failing to display God's grace.

God lavishes his grace upon us, and if we are honest, we will acknowledge that we misappropriate it at times. For this reason, the apostles warn us not to use the grace of God a cloak for sin. Where sin abounds, grace abounds more, but this doesn't mean we can sin freely. No, the Lord, when he redeems us, gives us a new nature--one that wars against sin (after all sin killed our King). God's  free grace is abounding--greater in size and strength when compared with our sin.

Thus, the cheerful giver reflects God's own gracious nature. God doesn't give based on merit, or none of us beggars would get a penny. He gives because it pleases him to do so. Thus, the cheerful giver, the one who gives out of the pleasure of the act, imitates God. The stingy person can never (without heavenly intervention) understand the joy of giving. They see it as extravagant and wasteful. They always assume that others don't need it or deserve it.

Have stated that giving reflects the graciousness of God, let me return to the example of a begging homeless man. Should we give him money? It is difficult to say. Sometimes, wisdom dictates that we make purchases on his behalf, rather than give him cash. For example, let's say he is standing outside of a liquor store with an  empty bottle in his hand, and reeking of cheap whiskey. It might be wise to buy his lunch at a nearby restaurant, but it would be foolish to fail to hear his request.

If you have a few bucks, say a few ones or a five dollar bill, then why not give it to him? Some might say, "But what if he buys booze or drugs with it?" True, he might do that, but he may also buy hamburgers for himself and a friend or two. When you give him the money, give him the gospel and supply both of his needs at once. Realize that your giving to the Lord when you give to the poor. Trust the Lord to lead this person to use the gift wisely, but realize they, like you, are human. And remember, God gave you grace when you asked, even though he new you would fail time and again. Most importantly, remember we are only righteous in the sight of God because of what Jesus did, and none of us were worthy of such a gift. I think it is wise to give responsibly, but we must give. To fail to do so reflects the serpent and not the Savior. Find your joy, not in your possessions, but in the meeting of others' needs.