“To freely give is to be free from control, to let go, and to trust God with the outcomes.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 26, 2024
The Lord has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution… And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord‘s contribution… brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. Exodus 35:5, 21-22, 29
The spirit of not giving under compulsion but cheerfully giving is a theme that flows throughout Scripture. The Lord commanded those generous of heart whose spirit was moved to participate in a seasonal freewill offering. This was a special opportunity for God’s people to support a project initiated by the Lord. This freewill offering was not limited to money but anything of value that men, women, and children could contribute—freely given to the Lord for His glory. A grateful heart to God is honored to give to God freely.
Do you freely give, or do you expect something in return? I have to ask myself that question when I spend time or effort on a project or working with people. My mistake is when I connect my importance of value to the outcomes. This became evident as a 40-something-year-old. I looked and prayed for younger men to spend time with to encourage them in their faith journey as husbands, dads, and leaders. In the process, I learned as much from them as they learned from me. I also felt a sense of accountability in living out what we discussed; after all, the older man needs to model the way, yes?
I was introduced to a young rising business leader; he was smart and energetic and loved his family and the Lord with fidelity. He asked me to spend time with him and to connect him to my other friends. We enjoyed talking two or three times a week, dinner with our wives, and a silent retreat together. His business flourished, his marriage was strengthened, he became a better dad, and his faith matured. After a year together, with no warning, he decided to cool our relationship and only called when he needed something. At first, I was disappointed and a little confused. Did I do something to disappoint my young friend? Did I become boring? Will those who know us think I was a failure?
We eventually talked about our relational distance, and I discovered he was grateful for our time together but had discovered new pursuits, friendships, and hobbies. What I learned, and what I am still learning, is to hold relationships, work, finances, and anything else I’m tempted to control with an open hand. By God’s grace, resist the urge to control outcomes and especially let go of trying to control the person.
Freely giving is a generous way to live. When we freely give, we give our time, resources, and expertise without expecting anything in return. If, of course, someone asks for accountability to change certain behaviors, like being more intentional with his family, he gave me permission to ask about outcomes. But when we freely give, we leave the results to the Lord. Our gift is to God first and to the person or ministry we support second. God is the overseer of people and resources. His blessing and favor are the indicators of success. So, to freely give is to be free from control, to let go, and to trust God with the outcomes.
“Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for freely giving me your Son Jesus as my gift of love and salvation through His love and in His name, amen.
Application
What opportunity do I have to freely give without expecting anything in return?
Related Reading
Proverbs 11:24-25; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Ephesians 1:6
Worship Resource
DOE: God Is In Control
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