The Joy of Freely Giving

It has taken me many years to have a more heavenly perspective on money.  I am still in process on this.  I have always had a level of gladness to be able to give.  But I grew up with a very limited understanding of money management and seeing money as a tool.  I have struggled with poor attitudes about resources.  It is a balanced perspective indicated in Scripture.  There is great wisdom in planning and saving.  The worth of investment and risk is Biblical.  On the other hand, a willingness to share and give freely is also valued.  Thus, it may be seen as a balanced or diverse outlook toward money.

Considering these principles, money really is regarded as a tool or resource in the Bible.  People understandably esteem it as security and place it above other priorities.  It is a major and "delicate" issue for most of us.  We all know of the saying, "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10).  When we are able to get beyond the struggle of loving money--which is a process, we can get to a place of just enjoying giving.  It usually takes time and practice.  To get started in this, it may hurt.  You may realize you are going to have to override selfishness...again and again.

If you want to be a giver, it will be a great joy.  There is something very good about blessing people.  I am still on the learning curve, but I am so thankful for what God has taught me.  This past weekend, the girls had a lemonade stand.  A couple pulled up in a pickup truck with two kayaks in the back.  The girls were charging 25 cents a cup.  This guy gave them a 20-dollar bill and told them to keep the change.  Jenn told him he didn't have to do that, but he insisted.  This act of generosity surprised me and made me think about giving.  Much more could be said about the matter, but it really is a way of getting someone's attention and saying, "I care."  And that is a way of loving your neighbor as yourself.