When I was twenty-one years old and approaching college graduation, I started to seriously consider what I was going to do with my life. I had a desire to help others, so I asked myself, what do I have to give? At first I thought about my secular skills and the college degree I would receive. Then I began to think about my spiritual qualifications and realized, “Wow! God’s people have so much to give.” We have God’s love, God’s abundant supply, and God at work in us! We can impact people’s lives for the better.
One thing we have to give is God’s love.
I John 3:1:
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God….
Because God bestowed His love upon us, we have a tremendous capacity to love others and to desire the best for them. With this God-given ability, we can extend ourselves to others and become involved in their lives.
We initiate this giving by simply being aware of our surroundings and the people that we find ourselves around. We look for opportunities to bless someone. When we find such an opportunity, we show genuine care and concern, just as God does. By sharing God’s fitly spoken Word supported by our loving actions and by faithfully staying involved in their lives, people can begin to understand and appreciate the immense love and compassion that God Almighty has for them. Understanding that can change someone’s life!
Another way we can give to others is to teach them about God’s abundant supply.
Philippians 4:19:
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
We can teach others how to go boldly to God to have their needs met. God is willing and able to offer help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16:
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We can prepare to help in this category by taking note of what needs people have. This takes being observant and paying attention, and a great time to do this is during conversations. We can listen attentively, ask meaningful questions, and retain people’s answers. Once we understand someone’s need, we can teach them from God’s Word how to get their need met. By teaching what is available from the Word and how to receive it, we help others tap into God’s abundant supply.
Because God is at work in us, we can be on target with our giving.
Philippians 2:13:
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
God can help us to be at the right place at the right time with the right solutions to impact someone’s life for the better. When an individual we have been helping comes to mind, we can consider if there is a specific action God is working in us to take. Do we need to go visit them, or call them just to laugh together? Do we need to encourage them with a specific Bible verse, or offer to pray with them? Maybe we need to simply pray for them. Whatever the situation, God is faithful to work in us, His people, so we can best give to others and positively impact their lives.
God’s people have so much to give, because God has given us so much. We have God’s love, God’s abundant supply, and God at work in us. We can take practical steps to give by paying attention, staying faithfully involved with people, teaching the Word that meets needs, and believing to be at the right place and time. God has equipped us so that we can make a difference in people’s lives. With all we’ve been given, let’s put our potential into action by giving much to others!