The Art of Giving....

'Tis the time of year when we hear plenty of appeals to give. Phone calls, television, mail, etc. are all methods of soliciting. Not to mention newer methods of putting requests for donations out there, such as the  Internet and even via cell phone. Sermons will be preached and television specials will exhort "Tis more blessed to give than to receive." We discussed giving in both Sunday School and during the church service today. If people aren't careful, burnout can set in. The more tenderhearted among us may be tempted to give until they run out of resources to take care of themselves.
What does the Bible say about giving? I looked in my Bible's concordance. First, it defines giving as "granting, bestowing, conveying, offering, providing, designating, yielding or producing, suffering the loss of life." That last part takes me aback. Talk about giving everything you have. But that's what Jesus did...would any of us really be able to give to the point of death? I don't think it's humanly possible. Certainly with God it's possible and that's how Jesus did it. It drives home the point that we'll never be able to repay what God has done for us.
The second gift God gave to us is recorded in Genesis 9:2-3: "All the wild animals, large and small, and all the birds and fish will be afraid of you. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food, just I have given you grain and vegetables." He gave us control over the animals and has also given us fruits and vegetables. He thought of these things when we created us. The first gift God gave to us was the gift of life. No matter how rough life gets, I'm still thankful to be alive.  And on top of that, Jesus said in Luke 12:32: "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." If it gives God great pleasure to give, what more should it do for us? A little further on in Luke 12, Jesus says, "Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given." (v.48)
In the next few posts, I will try to look at giving. How we should give, how to give wisely, and how giving, in some cases, can hurt more than help.