God’s gracious giving is indisputable. He has given us everything from life itself to all that we need to sustain us in life. James was not exaggerating when he wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
An interesting question is, “Why does God give us so much?” One obvious answer is because He loves us. There is another reason, however, that God is so giving; a reason that most have not considered. God gives to us so that we might give to others.
- God blesses us financially
While we are commanded to give to the cause of Christ as we have been prospered by God (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), God assures us that we will not go broke because He will continue to bless us with the means to give. Paul said, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:9).
Helping us to be in a position to give is not the only reason for God blessing us financially. Listen to what Paul says a few verses later.
2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV)
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
God gives to us so that we can give to others.
- God blesses us with spiritual talents
Do you remember the parable of the talents? The master of the house gave three of his servants, each according to his ability (Matthew 25:15). While two of the men increased their talents by using them, the other man hid his talent in the ground. He failed to use his talent, and his master was displeased with him (Matthew 25:24-30).
God is displeased when we squander the talents that He blesses us with as well. How should we use our talents? They should not be used for self-exaltation, but rather, they should be used for God’s glorification. This includes using the various abilities that God has given to us to help others. This was even true with the spiritual gifts that God gave saints in the early church.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Again, we see that God gives to us to give to others.
- God blesses us with comfort
Paul once called God the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). No one can give us more comfort, especially in times of distress, than our God. He knows how to comfort us just when we need it the most. Why does God bless us with comfort? Paul tells us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV)
4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
We see it again, don’t we? God comforts us so that we can comfort others.
The pattern is clear. God is a giving God. He gives various things to us for many different reasons. One very important reason is to use whatever it is that He blesses us with to help others. God continues to be good to us. Let’s not let Him down by failing to use what He gives us for their intended purpose—to help others.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.