Giving

It's Not An Option

God takes our giving (or lack of) very seriously. Before I begin, I’d like to preface today’s blog by transparently informing those of you who do not know that I am a board member of The Fountain of Life Rescue Ministry in Thomasville, GA. The Fountain of Life Rescue Ministry provides emergency shelter for those who need a safe place to spend the night. Clients not only receive refuge from the elements, but a warm shower, a delicious meal, and clothe laundering as well. The organization is an excellent charity opportunity for anyone desiring to donate to worthy, impactful causes.

However, long before my partnership with The Fountain of Life, I was a giver. I was raised by a giver. My mom was my first example of what putting the needs of others before your own needs looked like. I valued her mentorship over my younger years and even more so today. As I have matured and gained more wisdom, I can truly say I understand the spiritual joy received when giving to and helping others. I fully get the “it’s more blessed to give than receive’ expression I’ve heard so many times.

Matthew 25: 31-46

The Scripture reference for today is awakening. I encourage you to read it in its entirety using your favorite version. I would like to unpack the passage using the PBC version, the Pavo, Brooks County side version. Please take the time to read this passage as it is a beautiful assurance for all us givers and a merciful warning for those who are stingy or give grudgingly.

Jesus and His holy angels will return to earth one day. As Jesus sits on His rightful throne, all people will be before Him. It’s judgement time. Jesus separates the people, some on His left side and some on His right side. On the right side, Jesus calls those ones sheep. He says to them prepare to receive your inheritance because when I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me water; a stranger and you took me in and naked, but you clothed me. When I was sick, you visited me and imprisoned you came to see me. The people were confused. They asked, Jesus when did we give you food and water? We don’t remember clothing you or taking you in our homes or even visiting You when you were sick or imprisoned. Jesus answers the righteous ones by saying whenever you gave and done these things to the least of them, you were actually doing them to Me. Prepare for your righteous reward.

Oh, but to the ones on the left, the goats. The GREASTEST OF ALL TIMES did not apply to them. You do not want to be the goat at this time. To the goats, Jesus said get away from Me you wicked ones. He basically told them everlasting fire is your portion. Why did Jesus call them wicked and condemn them to everlasting fire? Jesus said when I was hunger, you didn’t even care. I was thirsty but you offered no water, no Gatorade, Kool-Aid, nothing. When I was a stranger in the land with nowhere to go, you didn’t even offer me your basement where I could lay my head. When I needed clothes to stay warm, you rendered nothing. You didn’t come see about me when I was sick nor did you come to visit me in prison. The goats were confused too and asked Jesus when did we have the opportunity to do these things for You? Again, Jesus responds, when you did not do these things for the least of them, you did not do these things for Me.

Isn’t it mind-blowing that giving to the poor and those less fortunate is one of the things we will be judged on? This story always amazes me. Your giving (or lack of) determines your eternal destination. I believe I know why so much emphasis is placed on our giving. Giving shows your heart posture. If your heart posture is humble, content, and loving, giving comes easily to you. Contrarily, if your heart posture is selfish, proud, never satisfied then ungrudgingly giving may be very difficult for you. It’s best to not give at all if you give grudgingly. There is no reward in grudgingly giving. Those goats that were eternally damned had major heart issues going on that resulted in them not being givers. It is unfortunate that the world has become selfish takers. It is because so many have turned their hearts from God.

The Good News is that if you are reading this, you have the opportunity to course correct your path. Evaluate your own heart posture. Ask God to remove a stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh so compassion can flow through you freely. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you where you should financially support. It’s not about haphazardly giving money to people or organizations God did not ordain. It’s about strategic giving, obedient giving that comes with a heavenly reward.

Would you pray about becoming a supporter of The Fountain of Life Rescue Ministry? I would greatly appreciate it. I will include the contact information below.

Thank you for sharing your time with me. If you’ve found value here, please share this site with your family and friends.

The Fountain of Life Rescue-Thomas County

PO Box 6522

Thomasville, GA 31792

(229) 421-5963

Text GIVE to (229) 658-4777

Love,

Cynthia

www.awellfedsoul.com