Episode 67 - Giving is… Joy

One of the characteristics of a Christian is to give. Giving is an attribute of God, and He wants His children to be like Him. Thus, the basis of giving is our childhood in God. This childhood in God makes us joyful, just as Jesus said to His disciples, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). We also learned about that in 2015, with the yearly theme, “Joy in Christ.” This joy does not refer to mere earthly or temporary happiness; it is the divine and eternal joy, and our response is to give, just as we have been recipients of everything God has given us.

This response was displayed by the first congregation of Christians (Acts 2:44-47). They were so joyful to know that they had received the gift of the Spirit and were children of God, that they shared everything they had with one another. 

Not only do we become joyful when we recognize that everything good has come from God (Psalm 145:8-9), but also because we realize that we are able to share that with others. When we give out of joy to our brother, sister, or even the church, we are actually offering to God, and God loves a joyful giver! (2 Corinthians 9:7)