The Gift of Giving
The gift of giving is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals within the church. Those with this gift have a deep understanding of stewardship and a compassionate heart for helping others. They joyfully give with a spirit of generosity, seeking to advance God’s kingdom by supporting ministries, missions, and the less fortunate.
Definition
The spiritual gift of giving is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals within the church. Those with this gift have a deep understanding of stewardship and a compassionate heart for helping others. They joyfully give with a spirit of generosity, seeking to advance God’s kingdom by supporting ministries, missions, and the less fortunate.
Description
Individuals with the gift of giving possess a deep understanding of stewardship and a compassionate heart for helping others. They joyfully give with a spirit of generosity, seeking to advance God’s kingdom by supporting ministries, missions, and the less fortunate.
Example from Scripture
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observed a poor widow who gave only two small coins into the temple treasury. Although her gift seemed insignificant, Jesus commended her, as she gave sacrificially out of her poverty.
When the Gift is Present in the Church
When the gift of giving is present in the church, it fosters a spirit of generosity and sacrificial giving within the congregation. Those with this gift inspire others to give and create a supportive environment for funding God’s work.
When the Gift is Absent in the Church
In the absence of the gift of giving, the church may struggle with financial limitations and limited resources to support ministries and outreach efforts. There may be less emphasis on the importance of stewardship and charitable giving.
What It Looked Like in the Life of Jesus
Jesus demonstrated the essence of the gift of giving through His selfless sacrifice on the cross. He willingly gave His life to redeem humanity, showing the ultimate act of generosity and love.
Practical Ways to Develop the Spiritual Gift of Giving
Pray for Wisdom: Seek God’s guidance in discerning how to give effectively and support initiatives aligned with His will.
Identify Passionate Causes: Identify specific causes or ministries that resonate with your heart, allowing your giving to have a more significant impact.
Share Your Testimony: Share stories of how your giving has made a difference in the lives of others, inspiring others to participate in generous giving.
Examples from Church History
St. Lawrence of Rome (225-258) – A deacon in the early Church, St. Lawrence distributed alms to the poor and慷慨给予救助那些需要的人,甚至还变卖家产供养堂中的穷人。
George Müller (1805-1898) – 一位虔诚的基督徒福音传教士和孤儿院的主管, Müller依靠信仰和祷告为成千上万的孤儿提供了援助。
Dorcas（使徒行传9：36） – 在早期教会中以慷慨解囊和帮助他人而著称的一个例子。她帮助了许多苦难的人们，并因此获得了使徒彼得在死里复生的祈祷。
The proper attitude about the gift of giving is probably best illustrated by the Honorable Alpheus Hardy, who used money to support missionaries and educate ministers. His monetary support helped lay the foundations for Christianity in Japan.
Dr. Oswald J. Smith, who desired to become a missionary, God placed in the pastorate and used him to send missionaries and money for missions all over the world. He is recognized as one of the greatest missionary benefactors of recent history.
There must be a distinction made between the gift of Giving and the grace of giving. First, realize that tithing and giving are responsibilities of every Christian. The tithe is the first fruits of our increase. It is God's, and we should give it to Him immediately. This is the grace of giving—giving from a heart of love, allowing God to furnish the returns when we have given from a desire to help others and further His work.
A believer may also contribute money, time, or talent without expecting anything in return and even give beyond his means, as in the example of the woman who gave two small copper coins in the temple treasury.
The Spiritual Gift of Giving is a wonderful opportunity for ordinary believers to live out their faith and show God's love in concrete ways. It doesn't require a wealthy personality and is open to everyone, regardless of economic status. When we practice generosity in any form, we're not just meeting immediate needs but also building relationships with those around us and growing together as the body of Christ.
How People Use This Gift
Those with the spiritual gift of giving often are found on the mission field, sometimes going to dangerous places and extraordinary lengths to convert the lost and help those in need. Closer to home, they will often be found helping in shelters, feeding the homeless, or caring for the sick and elderly. At church, you may find these people are the first to jump in and lend a hand wherever needed. Their "passion" will be giving of themselves, their time, their talents and possessions, and their money to spread the gospel.
In 2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV, the gift of giving is specifically mentioned as something to be "excelled in." This is a clear indicator that the spirit of giving is not just an occasional act but a way of life for those with this spiritual gift. The phrase "so much" in verse 8 is a strong expression of the joy and freedom that comes from giving, which is not motivated by receiving anything in return.
Bible References
Matthew 6:1-4 Do not do your acts of righteousness in front of men but also when no one is watching. Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the Talents Mark 12:41-44 Widow and her two small coins Luke 14:12-14 When you have a banquet, invite the poor and you will be blessed. Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive Rom. 12:8 Galatians 6:9 Each one must carry their own weight.
Stanley, 70-82