Sacrificial Giving and Its Benefits

Do you desire to be happier, healthier, wealthier, find peace in your soul, and also make the world a better place? If your answer is yes, then, sacrificial giving avails us with the platform to exercise this God-given nature in us through service.

Whenever a matter like this is mentioned, some persons try to exonerate themselves by thinking that sacrificial giving is a duty for the wealthy alone. No, it is not true. Everyone is called to give.

We must note that the act of giving is a personal thing. It should not be done under pressure or compulsion. It is purely a thing of the heart based on self-conviction. Sacrificial giving has to be made unconditionally without any expectation from the giver.

John Bunyan says, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

That is why it is called sacrifice, you offer it and turn your back.

Imagine helping a beggar on the streets. What possibly can he or she give you in return for the assistance you provided or can you expect anything from this helpless fellow?

Remember, we don’t really need to trouble our hearts with whom to give. There are reports or statistics every day on the Internet, in Newspapers, etc that point the direction people need assistance all over the world. Just look around, you will see a hungry or homeless person or a child who is out of school, orphanage homes, etc.

Researchers tell us that this simple act of kindness to the needy is capable of giving the donor profound mental health. When you concentrate on putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged through charitable donations, community service, and volunteerism, this free service to humanity, research says eases STRESS and can control DEPRESSION.

Everyone can give. Not only the wealthy.

So, this article will focus on sacrificial giving and its benefits – what we stand to gain because there is a reward for everything under the heavens whether good or bad. If we don’t receive it directly, our children will. I have had cases where people say,

“Because of what your father did for me when he was alive, I will help you.” But if your father did him wrong when he was alive, you definitely will get no help from the person.

What is Sacrificial Giving?

Giving beyond your means. Simple!

However, it is that gift that costs you something. It is a gift that has VALUE and LOVE attached to it.

Mother Teresa says, “Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.”

Sacrificial giving is beyond the normal prophetic seed or church offerings but, the kind that is so dear to you. In fact when I give my church offering I expect something in return – God’s favor, but, you cannot give arm and expect from the receiver because he/she does not have. Sacrificial giving is powered by love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” – John  3:16.
Believe me, it must have pained Him because He gave His ONLY but, He was happy that it was done.

Ben Carson asserts, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” 

Sacrificial giving comes with pain.

Follow me to the book of 1Kings 17:10 – 13, “So he (Elijah) arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel that I may drink.” “And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” “And she said, as the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, ONLY a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son that we may eat it and die.”

A hopeless situation.

Just put yourself in the position of that poor widow. Someone who should be provided for because she had no husband and with a son to feed. Their only hope that moment was that ONE plate of food. But, she sacrificially gave it away in order to save a life.

“We make a living by what we have, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winson Churchill.

Also read: How o Make that Vision a Reality: 4 Ways to Actualize your Vision

Facts About Sacrificial Giving

• It is borne out of love.
• It is made on the altar of self-conviction.
• It involves something that is difficult to let go.
• It is a sacrifice that is made with no strings attached.
• It is a sacrifice that cannot be repaid by the receiver.

Benefits of Sacrificial Giving

1. Sacrificial giving is therapeutic

If it is in you to give, you will not find it difficult even when you have little. What actually prevents people from giving is the mentality that what they have is not enough, but a giving heart believes there is always something to give. It most not always be money. You can give your talent, time, idea, etc.

There is this relief that comes to your mind when you help someone in need to come out of his/her present challenge. This relief is called inner peace and it is medicinal to mental health.

For instance, if someone is suffering depression, perhaps contemplating suicide as often the case, venturing into philanthropic activity such as volunteerism can actually help to control stress and depressed mind. What volunteerism does is that it helps to refocus your mind, then little or no attention is paid to that problem that confronts you as an individual.

2. It Triggers Favor From God and Man

Sacrificial giving in Christendom is a spiritual sowing of seed. At the right time, you will reap what you sow. “Do not be deceived for God is not mocked, for whatever a person sows, the same shall he reap also.” – Galatians 6:7

When you are generous to people around you, God will cause men to be generous to you also.

You cannot lack that which you give out.

If you are the kind of person who pays no attention to the wailing of the needy, I think this might scare you as it does to me.

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be heard.” – Proverbs 21:13

It is the same measure you give to others that will be used for you. “Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

So, giving to the needy is not a waste of resources, because he who sows sacrificially will also be rewarded by the Lord.

Just remember the Law of seed and harvest time.

Sacrificial giving comes with blessings from God and man.