There are times when we are focused on giving. To “give” is to freely transfer possession of something to someone else. The word “give” can also mean to carry out or perform some action. As we read through the pages of inspiration, we find that there are a number of things the Bible calls upon us to give. Consider that the Scripture emphasizes the need to give…

Yourself: Paul commended the churches of Macedonia because “they first gave themselves to the Lord…” (2 Cor. 8:5). Christians would find it easier and more fulfilling to obey the Lord if they first were to give themselves completely to the Him. In fact, giving yourself wholly to the Lord as a living sacrifice is the only way to be accepted by Him. Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom.12:1). Have you given yourself to the Lord?

Thanks: The apostle wrote, “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Col. 1:3). Many are ungrateful and thankless. Yet God desires us to be a thankful people: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18). You and I have so many good blessings, both spiritual and physical, for which to give thanks. Thankfulness should always abide in the heart which remembers that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jas. 1:17). Are you regularly giving thanks to God?

Alms: Jesus told His disciples, “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys” (Lk. 12:33). To “give alms” is to show compassion by helping those who are in need. Paul commanded a man to “labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28). God is pleased when we are compassionate and help those who are in need of things we can supply (Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 6:18; Heb. 13:16). Are you giving alms, helping those in need?

Heed: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Heb. 2:1). We “must” give earnest heed to the things we have heard through the Christ in His gospel. To “heed” is to carefully pay attention or give something consideration. The apostle goes on to give the reason we must give heed to these things – one who fails to do so will not escape the eternal punishment of God (Heb. 2:2-4). Do you give earnest heed to the words of Jesus revealed in the New Testament?

Defense: Peter said we must “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). One need not look far to see that the gospel needs to be defended. We must then, by study and practice, always be ready for the important task of giving a defense. Thus, we will be able “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Are you always ready to give a defense?

Account: One great Day, “each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12). The wise man told us how to prepare for this time: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14). There is a Great Day coming! Are you prepared to give account of yourself to God?

David Eldridge