Giving: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28
The Apostle Paul said, “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 2:34-35
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:7-8)
Isn’t this a beautiful reminder how we should live in the obedience of indebted love, in every area of our lives as Jesus gave His life to us? This is the only place in the Bible in which we are told to remain in debt, the continuing debt of loving others. And in this love, we are to be in as much debt as we possibly can, too have love overflowing toward others just as Jesus poured out His love and life on the cross without measure to us, for us, and on us.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15