“Freely have you received, freely give.” Mt 10:8.
Jesus said, “Give and it will be given to you: good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over.” Lk 6:38.
With him went the twelve and many others who provided for them out of their own resources.”
Lk 8:3.
“Give for alms those things which are within.” Lk 11:41.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:34.
Paul said, “I came to bring to my nation alms and offerings.” Acts 24:17.
Paul said, “When you give, you should give generously from the heart.” Rom 12:8.
“The Spirit gives life.” 2 Cor 3:6.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor 9:7.
“You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Cor 9:11-12.
As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom he loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience.” Col 3:12.
Those who are rich in the world’s goods, “are to do good and be rich in good works, generous in giving and always ready to share,” 1 Tm 6:17-18.
“Generosity is surely a sign of holiness. During the past fifteen years thousands of lay men and women have given generously of their time and energy in a variety of ways. Their service in domestic and foreign missions is particularly notable. We rejoice especially in the large number of young adults who devote one or more years to Church or public service. Their stories of selfless compassion stand in sharp contrast to prevalent images of private achievement and acquisition. Their stories are living examples of responding to the Holy Father’s call for young people to be signs of hope. They are not caught up in materialism, as some charge the young are, but are coming to know that Christ shows himself in a special way in the poor and in the vulnerable.” US Bishops, Called & Gifted.
“Giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity; it is also a work of justice pleasing to God. He, who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food must do likewise. But give for alms those things which are within.” CCC 2447
“Those who are in a position to help others will realize that in doing so they themselves receive help. We recognize that we are not acting on the basis of any superiority or greater personal efficiency, but because the Lord has graciously enabled us to do so.” Pope Benedict XVI, God is Love
“Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love which they crave.” Ibid.
“You must love your neighbor as yourself. This, if you like, is the program that is hard-wired into every human person, if only we had the wisdom and generosity to live by it, if only we were ready to sacrifice our own preferences so as to be of service to others, to give our lives for the good of others, and above all for Jesus, who loved us and gave his life for us. That is what human beings are called to do, that is what it means to be truly alive,” Pope Benedict XVI, World Youth Day, 2008.
Giving
Giving is a spiritual experience when we give to another because Jesus asks us to give. We can give time, talents, or financial assistance to others. We give from what we have received. Giving persons realize that God gives them all that they have. When giving is done cheerfully and without regrets or resentment, one is humbled and gracious and peace and love are the center of the process of giving and receiving.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?