GIVING

By nature since the fall we’re clutchers.  Clutching is like breathing.  It just comes naturally. Contrast our hands with the hands of God.

Genesis 1: 31       Genesis 1: 28

Throughout the history of God’s people God opened His hands and generously provided them with food, drink, protection and blessing.

Lamentations 3: 22-23

Psalm 65: 9-12     Psalm 135: 16

God’s nature is to give generously to all.

Matthew 5: 45

When Jesus came and saw the needs of people He opened His hands.  Mark 1: 32-34, 40-42

Luke 23: 34

The open hands of God symbolise His generosity.

Do you and I love to give or are we still clutching?

If God needs to change our hands He has to start with our heart.

Zaccheus

Luke 19: 8

When your heart gets truly touched by God’s grace your hands begin to open up.

Every day God sends you and I messages “I love you!”

Philippians 2: 5-8

Has Christ’s love left your heart so filled with gratitude that you want to pour it out in return?

Our handling of money and possessions reveals what we believe – not what we say we believe but what we really believe.

Christians who are unfeeling, stiff, tight-fisted, boringly lifeless and dissatisfied put so many people off Christianity.

In the opening of your hands you’ll find what your clenched hands never could – joy, real joy!