We’re Never More Like God Than When We Give by Rick Warren

“It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ — the gospel you say you believe — and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV).

Heart disease is a serious problem in the western world. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in four American deaths are from heart disease.

Yet, the truth is, spiritual heart disease may be far more problematic. The most important antidote for spiritual heart disease is giving. When we give, our hearts grow bigger.

The Bible contains more promises about giving and generosity than any other subject. Why? You’re never more like God than when you give. God gives. It’s what he does. He’s generous. All you have is a gift from God. You wouldn’t take your next breath if God didn’t give it to you.

Every time you choose to give generously rather than hoarding what you have, you get a bigger — and healthier — heart.

It is not a mistake that the word “miser” and “miserable” come from the same word. There are only two kinds of people in life: takers and givers. Takers are always sad and mad. Givers are glad.

The Bible says in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper” (NIV). According to the Bible, the ultimate key to prosperity isn’t your brain, your guile, or even your relationships. The ultimate key to prosperity — the kind of prosperity that honors God — is giving unselfishly to others.

Ultimately, giving is about your past, present, and future relationship with God.

Past: You’re grateful for all God has done in your life.
Present: You keep your current priorities in place. Giving reminds you that God is first in your life.
Future: Your giving reminds you that God will take care of your future.
Being generous with what you have tells the world who matters most to you.

The Bible says, “It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ — the gospel you say you believe — and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV).

So eat right and exercise. Do whatever it takes to have a healthy heart. But don’t ignore your spiritual heart. The Bible tells us that all we do flows from our heart (Proverbs 4:23).


Talk It Over

Why do you think giving is so important to your spiritual growth?
What may be keeping you from giving in a consistent way?
What hidden beliefs may be keeping you from being more generous?