How To Give To Others

In a world where many times people focus on getting, as Christians we are taught to focus on giving. We are to contribute to the lives of others so "that they may see our good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven."

In today's passage as we continue our study in Luke, Jesus sheds light on this subject to the Pharisee he was visiting with. So let's jump right in.

Luke 11:39-41 NIV

[39] Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. [40] You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? [41] But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

In verse 41, Jesus articulates a new idea about giving to the poor. While the Pharisees were always focused on how men saw them (the outside of the cup), Jesus was saying to attend to their heart, their spirit, their character, and anything else that makes up the inner man (the inside of the cup).

Now, the new perspective on giving that he is introducing is this: give the "inside of the cup" to the poor. Give your inner being and all that encompasses to the poor and then "greed and wickedness" will not creep into our inner being like it did to the Pharisees and the Experts of the law.

Be focused on giving your inner man to the poor, your love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, sympathy, etc. and this would make the entire person clean inside and out. Naturally when we give our inner man to the poor through loving and caring for them, residual acts of giving will occur such as giving resources, food, clothing, shelter, money, etc. The main emphasis is how to make the entire person "clean," which is giving of ourselves to those in need. 

Why do this? Because God is using us so others can be saved too. Always this. The Church is used so others can go to heaven too.

So, instead of automatically thinking about giving money to help the poor, like most people have been taught to do, think about ways you can give yourself, give your inner man to the poor. Be their friend. Care about them. Love them. Show grace and mercy to them, and various other things from the heart, and this will "clean" you inside and out. Your love will not be a stagnant, dead lake that just sits in your heart decaying and unused. Instead it will be a flowing river, ever flowing outward into the hearts and lives of others. It will benefit all those around you, and they will thank God for you. God will be able to fulfill His purpose through you. He will be able to save people because of the love you give to those around you.

Please share with others.

I love you all!!

Jeffrey Post