Giving a gift back to God. How to do it.
Giving a gift back to God—what does that mean? I can’t say it’s my idea. I actually read about this concept in a book by Joyce Meyer. She stated that when God gives you an unexpected blessing, which can be anything, it’s good to symbolically give a gift back to God. Maybe it’s the Christian version of paying it forward.
Let me give you an example. Over the years, my husband and I have received unexpected gifts, whether in the form of money, something material, or sometimes as a way to thank God for healing either one of us or someone else. Most recently, it was because of my husband’s remarkable recovery after his recent heart attack. In that case, we gave a small gift of money to a particular child we sponsored through World Vision. Sponsoring those children in the first place was our way of giving back after receiving another “gift” years earlier.
Ways of Giving
Sometimes, we give back by giving a tangible gift to someone. Maybe offering a service. It could be as simple as a note. Offering help with a task. A meal. Or maybe offering to pray. There are many ways to give back. So why is this important?
Psalms 116:12-18 states this: I will lift up his cup of salvation and praise him extravagantly for all that he’s done for me. I will fulfill the promise I made to God in the presence of his gathered people.
Yes, praise him extravagantly with words. But we all know words can be cheap. Why does God ask us to tithe? Is it because he needs the money? Of course not. Maybe it’s because God knows we feel better when we’re financially generous.
The cycle of giving
When we give back, we acknowledge that we are part of a bigger world. We recognize we can be a power to lift up someone else as we have been lifted up.
It’s a tangible way to let God know we recognize our blessing with more than just words. Of course, for the most part, it will be words, and that’s important.
Plus, it just feels so good to give.
I posted this idea today for you to consider. I’m not suggesting anyone has to do what I do but think about it.
Recognize your blessings this week and seek to bless others in tangible ways on occasion.
