Give What You Have

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and reading lately and as I was looking for somethings to talk about and I came across a story, and it was about giving what you have…. So that is what I decided to talk about… giving what you have.

When we think about giving, it is easy to focus on money or material things. But the truth is we have more to give than that.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

It’s not about the size of the gift, but the heart behind it.

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus shares a powerful lesson through the story of the widow’s offering. It says, Jesus saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”

This widow gave all she had, even though it seemed small to others. But Jesus looked at the heart of her giving, not the amount. It’s a beautiful reminder that our 'small' offerings can be powerful when given with love and trust.

I’m a giver… I love giving more than receiving, in fact I’m a little awkward when people give me things. I mean I say thank you and all but then what…. Complements really throw me off but the point here is although I don’t always have much to give one thing, I think we can never run out of the giving of time and encouragement. We can always share kindness.

Maybe you feel like what you have to give isn’t much—a little time, a small amount of money, or a small talent. But God can multiply even the smallest offering when it’s given with a willing heart.

Have you ever experienced this—where something small you gave had a bigger impact than you expected? We need to remember that it isn’t always about what was given but how it impacted the one we are giving to.

1 Peter 4:10 tells us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Giving isn’t just about money. We all have unique gifts and talents that God has given us to serve others. Whether it’s a kind word, helping someone in need, or using your skills to bless others, giving what you have goes beyond financial resources.

There have been multiple times that I can remember when someone used their gift of encouragement to lift me up in a difficult season. It wasn’t money or a grand gesture, but it made a lasting impact. Sometimes, our time and talents can mean more than anything money can buy. It is the feeling of being seen that really made the impact. It was the fact the God sent someone or something the help me to know that He was there with me.

A good way to really get into using the gifts God has given you is to listen for His nudging to do something for someone. That blessing will be well received, and that person will be forever grateful for the gift you gave.

When we give, whether it’s time, resources, or a simple act of kindness, we’re blessed in return. It’s not just about helping others, but about how God works through us and in us when we open our hearts to give.

Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There’s something special about the joy that comes from giving.

This is why we all love Christmas so much. First, we are thinking of those and giving gifts and then we are also thinking about the best gift that God gave us and that is His son Jesus. The blessings seem to overflow around the holiday season. But these are blessings that we can hand out all year long as well.

If you’ve been hesitant to give because you feel like you don’t have much, remember this: God isn’t looking at the size of the gift, but at the size of your heart. Start with what you have and watch how God uses it.

Ask the Lord to help you bless someone and allow Him to use you and whatever resources you have to be that blessing. It was uplift whomever you are gifting so much.

Today we’ve talked about giving what you have, whether that’s money, time, or talent. We’ve seen through Scripture that God values the heart behind our giving more than the amount we give.

As we go through the day, let’s ask ourselves, ‘What can I give today?’ It doesn’t have to be big—sometimes a small act of kindness or offering your time can make all the difference.

Let’s close with this thought from 2 Corinthians 9:11, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” When we give, God’s blessings flow in ways we can’t always imagine.