The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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Because <strong>the</strong> Bible is clear that all <strong>of</strong> us are to give, <strong>the</strong>se principles <strong>of</strong> giving apply to us all.<br />
Being born <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> divine nature, it is only natural that we give. God to whom we belong is a<br />
Giver. Each person <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Godhead, by nature, gives. God is <strong>the</strong> Source <strong>of</strong> all good gifts (Jas.<br />
1:17). <strong>The</strong> hymn writer put it:<br />
“His love has no limit, His grace has no measure.<br />
His power no boundary known unto man.<br />
For out <strong>of</strong> His infinite riches in Jesus,<br />
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.”<br />
Keep <strong>the</strong> following practical guidelines in mind when giving.<br />
“Heed <strong>the</strong> voice, prompting or impulse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> working compassion, concern<br />
or care in your heart. He begets <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s unselfishness in us.<br />
Wait on <strong>the</strong> Lord. You need not be stampeded. Guilt and condemnation can be sorted<br />
out with time, so that peace and an appropriate sense <strong>of</strong> loving responsibility can<br />
settle in your heart. (This, however, requires an integrity in our hearts. I can hide in<br />
doubt from waiting, or choose not to ask or listen for fear God will show me to give.)<br />
Learn <strong>the</strong> limitless supply <strong>of</strong> God. All giving is intended by Him to be an experience<br />
<strong>of</strong> our growth in His nature and in our learning to tap <strong>the</strong> resources <strong>of</strong> His capabilities.” 13<br />
“<strong>The</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> giving exercised in faith will constantly enlarge <strong>the</strong> channel <strong>of</strong> my life as<br />
an avenue for <strong>the</strong> entrance <strong>of</strong> God’s abundant resource into <strong>the</strong> welter <strong>of</strong> human<br />
need awaiting such channels and starved for such a resource.” 14<br />
Examples<br />
Acts 4:36-37 Barnabas sold a field he owned and brought <strong>the</strong> money and put it at <strong>the</strong><br />
apostles’ feet.<br />
John 12:3-8 Mary poured a year’s wage <strong>of</strong> perfume on Jesus’ feet.<br />
II Cor. 8: 1-2 Churches <strong>of</strong> Macedonia gave in <strong>the</strong> midst <strong>of</strong> great trial and out <strong>of</strong> deep<br />
poverty to help <strong>the</strong> poor.<br />
Large contributions are necessary in order that God’s work goes forth. Often great<br />
accomplishments for God require large funds—funds beyond <strong>the</strong> few dollars that most Christians<br />
are expected to give. God <strong>of</strong>ten uses people with <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> giving to share large amounts <strong>of</strong><br />
money in such cases.