1 John 3:17
But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Do you have a convenient excuse not to give?

Where does your obligation to others begin and end? Are you looking out for number one only? What do you think about when you see the guys on the side of the street with the signs? What about the mothers with their children outside of the grocery store? Has the “20/20” or “Sixty Minutes” reports convinced you they are scammers and are all living in condos? Do you think the person will take your money and buy drugs? Sometimes it is hard to decide, you don’t know what to believe, and you just don’t want to make a mistake. So, do you just keep it moving or do you listen for the Lord to direct you?

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. 7 Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. (Amplified Bible)

1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One [you have been set apart, specially gifted and prepared by the Holy Spirit], and all of you know [the truth because He teaches us, illuminates our minds, and guards us from error]. (Amplified Bible)

What is in your heart? Are you spending enough time with the Lord, creating a connection and increasing your discernment so you obey Him when He speaks to you? Are you allowing Him to guide you? If you ask Him, He will tell you who you should give to and how much you should give. You won’t have to leave the moment wondering if you should have given more or at all. You will also realize there are some situations that require more than just money. You may have to sacrifice your time, talent , skills, and /or you may have to get involved on a deeper level. What will you do?

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I thank You for the opportunity to serve through my giving. Whether I am serving a brother or sister in Christ or someone who has not yet come to know You. You give me the provision, gifts to the giver and seed to the sower. I give, not because You will give back to me. I give because You gave me the provision to meet a need You identified. Father, I thank You for keeping your hand on my heart, so I don’t judge the need or the one in need. I thank You for trusting me with the resources to give and showing me my heart so I will obey You when You call. I ask You to keep me in your presence, so I know when to give and when to do more. You changed my heart. You filled it with love, kindness and caring and I thank You for it…