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The Reason for Giving is Love

Luke 9:23-26 “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.'”

Following Jesus involves a daily act of self-denial and giving. It’s not about accumulating wealth or possessions but living a life of sacrifice and service. By giving of ourselves and what we have, we reflect Jesus’ sacrifice and show the world God’s love.

Luke 10:27 “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.'”

Love is the driving force behind our generosity. When we love God with our entire being and our neighbor as ourselves, giving becomes a natural expression of that love. We don’t give out of obligation, but because our hearts are filled with God’s love. This love moves us to see the needs of others and respond with generosity.

Generosity is Not an Exchange

Proverbs 29:7 “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor; the wicked does not understand such concern.”

True generosity expects nothing in return. We do not give to receive something back, but because we understand and share God’s heart for the needy. Justice and compassion guide us to give without expecting rewards, knowing that God values and blesses a generous heart.

We Give to God Because We Are Generous

Isaiah 58:6-7 “Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

True generosity is manifested in our daily actions toward others. Giving is not just an isolated action, but a lifestyle. We give to God when we extend our hands to the needy, when we share our bread with the hungry, and when we offer shelter to the homeless. Our generosity reflects God’s character in us and demonstrates our gratitude for His provision.

Our generosity should be motivated by love, not by the desire to receive something in return. In giving, we reflect God’s heart and fulfill His call to love and serve others. May our motivation for giving always be the love of God within us, and may our actions be an expression of His generosity.

Sincerely, Pastor Guillermo Ayala

Bible Verses

• Luke 10:27
• Luke 9:23-26
• Proverbs 29:7
• Isaiah 58
• John 6