Discussion - Why Should I Give?

First and foremost - MERRY CHRISTMAS! (depending on when you're reading this it may still be technically Christmas Eve... but you may be busy today... so you may be reading this days, weeks, months or even years after I wrote this. Regardless; Merry Christmas.)

Normally around this time of year the idea of giving is really emphasized through multiple organizations and charities such as The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Hosea Feed The Homeless, and many other local charitable foundations...Also, people recognize this season as a time for gifts for family members, friends, and loved ones. Some believe and tell stories that a man named Santa comes around giving gifts to all the boys and girls that have been nice and lumps of coal to the children that have been "naughty". Us of the Christian faith realize this as the season of appreciation of the birth of Jesus our Lord and savior. There are many other beliefs and cultures that have their own idea of why they feel like giving gifts to others or not, however since we here are Christians, we shall focus on what we believe - which is the celebration/appreciation/remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Some people really go deep into the ideas of "Jesus wasn't really born that day", "It isn't even logically possible for the events to have even been in December", "Society has caused us to commercialize Christmas... We shouldn't give gifts" and a multitude of other opinions and theories that in reality are somewhat meaningless at the end of the day. Regardless if Jesus was literally born on the 25th of December or in December at all, we should appreciate the fact that he was born period. We should really be celebrating the fact that not only was he born - but he lived and died for us so that we can live - EVERY SINGLE DAY OF OUR LIVES. This entire holiday season should be a time of remembrance of Jesus period. When Jesus was at the last supper he told everyone to take the bread, which was representative of his body that was broken for the disciples and do it in remembrance of him. (1 Corinthians 11:24) The bible states in Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." ...No matter what day it is, we should always remember Jesus and what he did for us. If people choose to do that heavily around December 25th, then so be it...we shouldn't try to take their celebration away from them with scientific theories and whatnot. We should, however, encourage people to love one another and celebrate Jesus...you never know, they may begin to see why they should do it everyday.

On the subject of commercializing Christmas - I do believe that at some point we lost sight of what it means to truly give from the heart. The more expensive a gift is doesn't make it any more valuable than another gift. However, just like remembrance of Jesus, gift giving should also be an everyday thing. Gifts don't always have to be material or tangible...we have gifts that God has given us deep on the inside that we can share with others every day. This gift is called purpose. God's gives us purpose so we can do His will. Our purpose we have on earth is normally shown throughout our particular talents or skills -- that if we use them to glorify God, we can reach the masses. We should operate in our gift daily -- use it to help others, draw those that aren't that close to God closer, and help those that are close to remain close. Pray to God and ask Him what your purpose is, and I pray He will reveal to you what it is so you can live accordingly to the Will of God. Once you begin operating in your gift, you will soon see it as a gift that keeps on giving...you will never run out of it and if you stay in faith, it will never get old.

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of The Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

There is SO MUCH to gain from the scripture above that I won't even say anything in regards to how I personally feel about it, however I suggest that you study it, pray on it, and receive what meaning God has for it pertaining to your life and those around you.

One thing we can all agree on is the fact that giving is important. The bible says, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure that you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38 ...If we go back to 2 Corinthians we will see a similar message...

"My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8

The bible has a plethora of reasons why to give or how to give, and lucky for you I found an article online with 21 great verses explaining this exact topic! Also it's Christmas themed! How perfect! If you would like to view it Click Here

God gives to us daily, but in this season and every season to follow we really need to appreciate the fact that, "God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

When Jesus went up to sit on the throne, he gave us the Holy Spirit.

Along with giving gifts - appreciate the gifts that have been given to you.

I'll leave you all with this scripture that may answer the question - Why should I give?

 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:34-40

This Christmas Season (and from here on),  joyfully give from the heart. Also, give to those truly in need and not only to those you know. It doesn't always have to be material or tangible. If anything - give love. 

Episode 4 airs THIS SUNDAY and as an early Christmas gift, I'll tell you the name of it...

*Drum roll*

"For the Ladies"

Now before your mind wanders -- remember that this is a Christian show. Ha. 

What did you get others for Christmas? Let's Discuss!