2 Peter 1:4– Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust
It is with an irresistible and irrepressible joy that I usher you on board once again into the glorious season of understanding the giving nature of God. As we start out on this great adventure into grasping and understanding the mechanics and dynamics of this awesome nature of our God, allow me to be your guide over the next few paragraphs.
In the above scripture, we find that God gave us His divine power established on his promises in order to lead us into partaking of His divine nature. God wants so earnestly that we be partakers of His nature after we have escaped the corruption that is in the world. Incidentally, the giving nature of God is a principal element of His divine nature and I dare say that it is the bedrock on which all His other forms of nature rests.
THE GIVING NATURE OF GOD MANIFESTED
Below are some points in scripture providing us with the evidence and testimony of the giving nature of God.
· He gave us His Son John 3:16
· He gives us power over the powers of the enemy
· He freely gives us ALL THINGS Romans 8:32
· He gives us ALL THINGS to RICHLY ENJOY 1 Timothy 6:17
· He gives us answers to our prayers when we ask Matthew 7:7
· He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3
· He supplies ALL our needs Philippians 4:19
· He gave us the earth Psalm 115:16
Not only does God give, the scripture says, He knows how to give good gifts. Matthew 7:11.
God is not only interested in you manifesting this giving nature; He wants you to excel at it. In other words, God wants you to graduate in your giving and become an excellent giver.
Consider the following scripture:
“But just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV).
It is highly commendable when we strive for excellence in the quest for knowledge and other facets of our lives like our profession, business, and academic and even in poor knowledge of God’s word, but the bible admonishes us “to see that we excel in the giving grace also”. What this implies is that giving excellence must be intentionally pursued and maintained.
In order to bring the Corinthian church into the blessings of God, Apostle Paul sent one of his associate pastors, Reverend Titus, to go and establish the Corinthians in the giving lifestyle. The reasons are not far fetched- God’s operation in our lives is greatly enhanced when we commit to the principle of giving because giving is the starting point for receiving.
THE LOVE FACTOR IN GIVING
The giving nature of God finds its force, essence and origination from the love of God. His giving nature in other words flows out of His loving nature. This therefore perfectly explains the source of the struggle we often go through when called upon to give. When love is not in place giving can be a herculean task. It however suffices to say that you can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. God loved and God gave. This is our perfect example.
WHAT DOES OUR GIVING PROVE?
“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others” 2 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV)
Giving is the litmus test of the authenticity of our love. The measure of our love can be seen in the quality of our giving. God showed us how dear we are to Him in the enormity of the gift that He gave to us in His son.
HOW DO WE COME BY THIS LOVE?
“… the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5
The Holy Spirit is the agency through which we contact this kind of love. We are to yield ourselves to God through the Holy Spirit by which means our members become instruments of righteousness. Yielding to the Holy Spirit means allowing yourself to be influenced by the Spirit.
For further Study
John 3:16, Romans 8:37, 1 Timothy 6:17, Matthew 7:7, 1Timothy 6:17
Personal declaration for the day
Today, I will give and share from what God has given me.
Questions for you to reflect on
Are you giver or just a receiver?
Do you give out of love or obligation?
Comments & Testimonials