Giving is in Our DNA
Have you ever considered why giving feels so inherently good? Or probably you find this question weird? Don’t worry if you are in either side of the divide, hang in there as we try to understand why giving is a must.
I know that most people their natural inclination is to hold dearly onto what they have. This is probably because of what we have been taught over the years that resources are scarce and we need to fight for the little that is there. The question I normally ask myself is that if resources were truly scarce then how come there some who have them in excess while others lack? Is it then a question of distribution? A person can only wear a pair of shoes and doesn’t need to have hundreds of pairs. This then comes to the question of needs vs wants, I think we have justified wants to a point of them seeming to be needs. Let’s put these thoughts to a pause for a moment.
Let me ask you a question, do you find profound satisfaction in sharing? Whether your answer is yes or no, hold on to it. The true answer lies at the very heart of who God is, and who we are created to be.
At its core, giving is not about obligation, but about imitation. It’s a reflection of the divine nature that dwells within us.
The Origin of Giving
Our God is the ultimate giver. From the vast expanse of the universe to the intricate beauty of a single flower, creation itself is a testament to His generous hand. He gives life, gives breath, and gives us all things richly to enjoy. When we choose to give, we are simply echoing the very essence of our Creator.
Genesis 1:27 tells us we are created in God’s image and likeness. This isn’t merely about our physical form, but about our very character and purpose. A fundamental aspect of God’s character is His boundless generosity. Therefore, as His image-bearers, the impulse to give, to share, to distribute, is woven into the fabric of our being. It’s not something we learn; it’s something we need to remember about ourselves when we align with God’s design.
Interdependence: The Foundation of God’s Design
Consider the instruction given in Genesis 1:28: “Be fruitful and multiply.” This seemingly simple command reveals a profound truth about God’s design for humanity: we are created for interdependence. A man alone cannot fulfils this command, nor can a woman. The continuation of humanity requires a joining, a giving of oneself to another.
This principle extends far beyond procreation. Think about it:
- A talented musician might compose the most beautiful melodies, but without an audience to receive their gift, their talent remains isolated. Their gifting requires them to give their music to others.
- A talented footballer possesses incredible skill, but on a field alone, their prowess is meaningless. Their gifting requires them to give their effort and skill within a team, for the benefit of others.
The very essence of our gifting and talents demands that we give of ourselves to others. Our abilities are not for self-containment, but for outflow. This is Kingdom living: recognising that our gifts are meant to serve and enrich the lives of those around us.
At this moment are you still holding on to what you have dearly?
Wealth, Lack, and Divine Distribution
The concept of wealth distribution often sparks debate, but from a Kingdom perspective, it’s rooted in God’s provision. God created this world without lack. He created it with abundant sufficiency for all. However, our mindsets of scarcity, fear, and hoarding have greatly contributed to the uneven distribution of the resources He has so generously provided.
A businessman, for instance, cannot become wealthy by hoarding their merchandise. They need others to buy what they are selling. Their prosperity is directly tied to the act of others receiving their goods. This simple economic truth mirrors a profound spiritual one: true prosperity in the Kingdom of God involves movement, flow, and distribution.
The Power to Create Wealth Comes from God
It’s crucial to understand the source of our ability to generate wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
This is a game-changer. Our skills, our opportunities, our very capacity to earn and create are not ultimately our own. They are gifts from God. This means we are not the ultimate owners of what we possess, but rather channels of distribution. The earth and its fullness belong to God, and He entrusts us with portions of it.
Therefore, our role is to become good stewards or managers of what He has given us. This stewardship goes beyond financial resources; it encompasses our time, our talents, our influence, and every blessing bestowed upon us. When we hoard, we block the flow of God’s intended distribution. When we give, we participate in His divine economy, allowing His blessings to circulate and touch lives far beyond our own.
Embracing the Giving Nature
Embracing Kingdom stewardship means aligning ourselves with God’s inherent generosity. It means recognising our interdependence, understanding the divine source of our capabilities, and becoming willing conduits for His blessings to flow through us to others. It’s a beautiful reflection of God as a Giver, expressed through His giving us freely and unconditionally. Our obligation is to replicate the very essence of our Father and our giver, this simply implies that giving is not optional because it is in our nature. Let us embrace giving.
