If you saw a man drowning would you throw him a rope?

Perhaps not a common question because most people would say, "Certainly I would. It’s just common sense and common decency to help someone in need." If that logic is true then the needs of the poor and the helpless in our society would be met in abundance in a place as rich as America. Sadly this is far from the truth. In such a rich country, poverty is widespread. Those who have horde, and those who have not suffer and learn to look to government for their salvation instead of God.

In the New Testament many lessons are taught on giving but one that sticks out for me is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6&7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."

Let me give you my short version of the lesson behind this Scripture. In the hearts of men exists all the capacities and capabilities that are present in God because we are made in His image. So Man has the capacity for grace, mercy, generosity, justice, etc., just like God does. Only problem is, we don’t hold these attributes in perfect balance like God does because we are not yet complete (perfect) as God intends us to be in heaven. Therefore, we see these dynamics somehow out of balance in every one of our lives. The ability to give liberally must be born in our hearts by God’s grace. The heart controls whether I can give without begrudging the gift or feel like I have had no choice in the matter (under compulsion). If this is difficult for me then I can probably look at the incoming side of this issue, receiving provision, gifts, compassion, etc., from others and from God and I probably have a problem with this as well. God makes it clear - the input side is related to the output side relative to giving and receiving.

The character trait that plugs up the input side is pride. We are too proud to accept from others. Pride causes us to believe that we have done everything for ourselves and deserve recognition of our status and accomplishments. The attached characteristic to pride on the output side is controlling and clutching after all we have because we are convinced we have it because of what we have done, not what God has done. So God must do the work to change this, not in the wallet, the hand, the mind, but in the heart. Thus Paul relates in the Scripture - "seek to be an hilarious giver", for that is a good translation of cheerful giver. When giving is a joyous process receiving will be a grace filled process and all involved will be blessed. Try smiling and laughing the next time you give to someone’s need. I believe God smiles on us every time He sends a blessing our way.