The Act of Giving, Answers Something From Within

By Pastor Jason Sharp

It seems everywhere we turn there is another need to be met. Nationally, we are met with the disastrous flooding in Houston. Regionally, we are faced with a drug epidemic that is outpacing other areas of the country. Locally, we find ourselves face-to-face with other needs: local organizations such as our local church, charities, (and the Y!) or perhaps even the needs of our neighbors, friends, and family. All of these needs have something in common, the giver’s need.

The Mistaken Motivation

Too often the motivation for giving is put in words that are outside of the giver. This often doesn’t help those in need, the organizations that serve them, or the givers themselves. “These people are suffering so much, and you have the resources to help.” You have probably seen the commercials of abused animals. Surely their need should be enough for massive amounts of resources to flow in to help. This touches some, but not all givers to give. Why is that? Well, not that these folks don’t care about animals, but the animals’ needs are not the giver’s need. However, a pet owner or wildlife enthusiast might be motivated by their love for animals, their desire to provide for something they care about to give.

The Giver’s Need

The giver needs to give. The giver to a local church is not doing it to keep the lights on, though that is a necessary. Some givers to a local ministry might do it because they believe in the mission of that ministry. Yet, those who give the most, the ones that are extravagantly generous in their giving, do so because they are compelled from within. Ultimately, from a Christian perspective, giving is a response to God’s gifts toward us: “God so loved the world that He gave…” begins the well-known John 3:16. It was not our need that compelled God’s gift, “Because we were in such need God gave…” no it is because God loved that He gave. 

So, what is your need to give? It is not the other’s need to receive. Is it an expression of love? Is it a response of gratitude? Is it an opportunity to make amends? When you give like this, you are answering this need within yourself and are more connected to the gift that you give. When your need to give is satisfied, you are connected in relationship with those who receive and with the mission. You are giving a piece of yourself, investing yourself in your gift.

The giver needs to give.