A FORM OF GIVING

LEARN TO GIVE

The topic of giving is one that one that most people shun today. Most people are reluctant to give because there are many schemers out there. Some are concerned about what people do with the money that are given to them. Others are concerned about the economy, lack of a job or some are just plain out stingy or selfish.

Today, I would like to approach you on a very special aspect of giving. One that requires you to act from your heart. One that requires your personal involvement and does not solicit anyone else but you. Are you ready to give? Then......

F O R G I V E!

Forgive is an action word and must be demonstrated. When you give money, time or any gift it requires an action. It is demonstrated and can be seen in deed and action. Both the recipient and the giver receives something. It is an exchange between two or more persons and can benefit more than one individual. Let's discuss:

How is forgiveness demonstrated?

What are some of the steps involved?

Is there a limit or are there boundaries?

To forgive is a form of giving. You give whether the person deserves it or not. Just like you would give money because you are moved to do so. It's a heart thing. You must feel it coming from within extending outward. To forgive requires you to understand that it is not just a casual throw up of the hands and say, I forgive you, but understanding that this is a release of your own release, peace and blessings.

Let's look at how the act of forgiveness benefits the giver and what would stop the flow of the blessings in today's focus.

TODAY'S FOCUS: STOPPING THE FLOW OF YOUR GIVING

Forgiving is an act of Giving. Beside that it is a part of the word it is scriptural. It also has a promise attach to it. See Matthew 6:14(KJV)

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  

How does it tie in? Let's compare it with Luke 6: 38 (KJV)
Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Because forgiving is an act of giving, what you give you will get. Verse 15 of Matthew 6 clearly states, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Luke shows you the provision and rewards of giving. So it is with verse 14 of Matthew- when you forgive, you will be forgiven.  

On the flip side you will choke your overflow if you are stingy and selfish and refuse to give. Men will not give unto you and there will be no overflow but a cessation of your blessings. God will not forgive you if you do not forgive. So like wise the flow of your blessings can be hindered if you do not forgive. So many ills have resulted because of the lack thereof. Families have been torn apart long time friends are no longer friends, merciless and unnecessary killings and other actions continue to be the fruit of it. Some major sicknesses and diseases have manifested itself. Some have died, and the guilty were never released.  

If you say the word using the last syllable first it would be give for (give-for - forgive). So give for God has forgiven you. You can forgive because you were forgiven.
As you look into your own life of giving consider the following: 
Is there someone you need to forgive?
What are some of the things that may be a sign that you are stopping the flow of your blessings?
What are the benefits that you will have as a result of your forgiving?
Can you share your story?

Remember, to forgive is a gift that is wrapped with love and sincerity so forgive genuinely. Forgive as if you were giving to yourself.  If you are experiencing a drought and there is no overflow it could be that you need to give in the area of forgiving.  Don't take your giving to the grave with you. It's no good then, and it can only be used now. Don't stop the flow- Give liberally, and..... FORGIVE WILLINGLY!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel