Why should I give?

“Why should we be concerned about poverty in Africa or the plight of the homeless? We didn’t cause the problems of the people there, so why should we give?” challenged one person who felt that poverty somewhere else in the world is not his problem. Yet God is concerned about the poor.

The fabric of both the Old and New Testaments is woven with concern for the poor. Under the Mosaic law, farmers were commanded to reap grain in a circular pattern, leaving the corners of the field untouched so that the poor could harvest there. Proverbs 28:27 says, “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” In the New Testament, churches were instructed to provide for the poor, the widows, and the destitute.

Another reason why you ought to give is that what you have is a gift from God, a stewardship or trust that you are responsible for. Therefore, how you use it is a matter of concern to Him. He can take from you what He has given to you as quickly as He bestowed it.

There is yet another reason that should prompt you to learn to give generously. There is no reward as significant as knowing your resources and gifts have made a difference in the world. You put milk in a child’s glass, a smile on his face, and provide a pallet or a bed for him to sleep on.

Who knows? Someday the tables may be turned and you may be the very one who is in need of help; and the reality that what you sow is also what you reap is a centuries-old truth that plays out time and time again.

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address [email protected]. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.