I have given, so why am I not getting?

Are you one of those people that have been giving and helping others just about
all your life but for some
reason or the other nothing is being returned to you?

During these difficult economic times trying to make ends meet. It is normal to
ask when will someone lend me a helping hand, especially knowing the good that y
ou've done for others. This seems to be a mystery that from the surface seems ha
rd to explain.

The bible gives clear instructions as to not only how we should give but the man
ner in which we should give in. However, before we get into the spiritual rules
in regards to spiritual giving let me share a true story with you.

There are a few folks that I know personally but one person in particular that i
s by nature a natural givers. This particular person has given thousands monetar
ily, assisted hundreds of folks including family, friends and in some case their
enemies. I would go as far as to say that this person is the personification of
giving. Now, you would think that such a person would be living in abundance, r
ight! Or at least having their needs met? Well, if you said yes they I am sorry
to say you're wrong!

Now, what I failed to mention in the above resume of my giving friend is the sma
ll fact that he loves to boast and brag about what he has done for others and al
ways making mention how he did what he has done for others. In other words, his
kindness which I truly believe is genuine is always accompanied with self aggran
dizement.

You're probably saying at this point, "What does this have to do with his receiv
ing in return for all the giving he's done?" Here is what the bible says about g
iving but before I do that let me define the word "alms" which the bible mention
s in the passage of scripture we are about to get into. The word alms is defines
as money, food or other donations given to the poor or needy; in fact anything
given in charity.

"Take heed that you do not give your alms before men, to be seen by them: otherw
ise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore whenever you
gives alms, do not sound a trumpet before others (bragging and boasting making
know the goods deed you've done) as the hypocrites do in church and in the stree
ts, that they may have glory of men, truly I say unto you, that is there reward"
Matthew 6:1-2.

Instead scripture gives clear instructions as to how

"But when you do give alms, let not your left hand
as done, instead let your alms be done in secret and
nclusive of those things done in secret shall reward
yone will know that you're blessed" Matthew 6:3-4.

we aught to genuinely give,

know what your right hand h
God which sees all things i
you openly or where as ever

So you see my friend scripture has unlock this mystery in regards to those that
are givers but are not receiving as they should, especially due to the amount of
giving and assistance they've lend to others. Their boasting, bragging and soun
ding a trumpet of what they have done for others has become their reward. While
those who have secretly assisted and given to others will be blessed publicly by
God who has promised to do so.

My words of wisdom is simply this, avoid giving yourself an immediate reward by

sounding the trumpet of what you have done for others. Instead, whatever and whe
never you decide to give or assist others do it in secret and let God be the one
to bless you openly.

Written By: Kevin L A Ewing

kevinewing@coralwave.com