Giving is Losing

Giving is one of the most important natures of God.

Biblical giving is completely different from the way it is understood and practiced in the world. Many in the Christendom have adopted the giving practices and attitudes from a non-Christian worldview.

Jesus spoke about the act of giving many times.

The teachings of Jesus give us the proper understanding about the meaning of giving from Heaven’s point of view. Here are three definitions drawn out from three gospel portions.

1. The act of giving is determined by the act of losing (Matthew 10:37-39). Some have claimed to have given, but have not lost anything in the process. They give to gain—advancing their reputation and managing their wealth. They claim to have given sacrificially, but really have given to invest in a cause they have interest. These are not all bad reasons to give. But, true biblical giving does not have a hidden agenda.
2. The act of giving is to give up even our own sense of security (Luke 18:22-30). Real giving demands that I take the risk of trusting in God rather than my own deposits in the bank. Real security comes from trust in God.
3. The act of giving is to lose our own self (Luke 19:8-10). True giving will ultimately hurt my own identity. Jesus took upon Himself the sin of the world and gave up His own life to save others.

Lord Jesus, help us to understand the deeper meaning of giving so that we may become givers, denying ourselves and bringing glory to the name of God.

Adapted from the sermon, “Giving is Losing” given by Rev. Dr. Mathew P. John at ICA (July 22, 2018).

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