give |gɪv|verb 1 [ with two objs ] freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone): she gave him presents and clothes | [ with obj. ] : she gave back to the God who had given so much to her.

I consider myself very blessed to have known and to have lived in two very different styles of life. I have learned to be content with very little, and to appreciate living in abundance (Philippians 4:12). But throughout my life, whether I have had little or plenty, I’ve always strived to give above and beyond what I have. I believe there is great power, joy and freedom through generosity–and it’s something we should all strive to be better at!

The Power of Giving
“Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!” Proverbs 21:26

I recently read an article in the Huffington Post that stated the bold question, “Do you own stuff, or does your stuff own you?“. I thought it was such an interesting examination of where our hearts are. The Bible says, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” in Matthew 6:21. Nothing could be more true.

When we give, we take the power away from our possessions, and take control of our hearts once again. Being abundantly generous is incredibly powerful because you are saying, “I own this stuff, thanks to God–and I’m able to give it away at any time because it has no power over me.” When money and possessions take ownership over us, they control our decisions, our behavior and ultimately, our heart.

Joy and Contentment Come When We Stop Striving for “Things”
True joy and contentment does not come from things and possessions. It doesn’t come from money, prestige, power or status. True joy and peace of mind comes from trusting completely in the God who created you, saying, “All that I have is yours. Nothing that I own or possess carries more weight in my heart than you do. You are where my joy is found. If you take everything I have from me tomorrow, I will still follow you and trust you all the days of my life. You are my God–not my money, my possessions or my business. You can have it all!”

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

What Do You Have to Give?
Remember, I didn’t always live in abundance. I thank God every day for providing for and blessing my family. But “giving” shouldn’t be about what or how much we have–it should always be about the position of our hearts. True generosity is choosing to give whether you have a lot, or a little. We can learn this lesson best from one of my favorite stories in the Bible…

“And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.'” Mark 12:41-44

Living a Life of Abundant Generosity
Choose to be generous with more than just your money. See yourself and your talents as an asset and be willing to give of yourself. What are you good at? Can you cook? Make a meal for someone. Are you an encourager? Write a letter or a note to someone that you’re thinking about to brighten their day. Buy the coffee for the person behind you in line at Starbucks, or pay for someone else’s gas when you fill up your car at the gas station. Think of ways to be creatively generous. I promise, it will make you happier than the person you’re giving to!

Don’t wait until you’re “rich” to be a giver. True givers give when they have little–they give out of the abundance of their heart (like the story of the woman with her two, small coins). She gave more than anyone else, because she gave it all. She understood that everything she had came from God. It wasn’t hers in the first place. She showed ultimate trust in God by giving all that she had–trusting that He was her provider.

I believe that is where true contentment, joy and freedom is found.

And we know, that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

XO-
Sabrina