Blessing Others
Christmastime is a time where can we become good news, a time when can we become living proof of a loving God. It’s a season fraught with gifts, blessings, and doing good.
But sometimes that’s easier said than done.
What makes it hard for us to bless others? What’s the big challenge? Is it not having enough heart, time, courage, or money? When it comes to being generous, we can all too easily fall into a mindset of scarcity.
A scarcity mentality robs us of the most basic truth of the Christian life: God blesses us so we can be a blessing for others. Dealing with a scarcity mentality will help us be the people that God is calling us to be.
STEP ONE: Take Inventory
Take a few minutes and ask yourself, “Why am I afraid to give? What stops me from being generous?”
If you give yourself some quiet, reflective time, an answer will surface. Maybe you’ll begin to feel a bit of anxiety around a certain area; be patient with your self, and sit long enough for inner tension to become clear enough to name.
Once you know what it is, write it down.
STEP TWO: Read the Word
Dan shares a scripture that helps us combat a “scarcity mentality.” After you’ve identified areas of scarcity, read this scripture and reflect:
2 Corinthians 9:6–9
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.” (ESV)
Now return to your sheet of paper. Ask God to give you even more faith that he will give you grace to abound in the place of your lack, to give you fresh courage to overcome your scarcity mentality.
STEP THREE: Pray a dangerous prayer
Now ask God to show you where you can be generous in good works. With faith that God will give you an abundance for the sake of “every good work,” you’ll have courage to step out in a place where you were formerly afraid.
Write down some ideas of where you can give. You may even feel a fresh invigoration where you formerly felt anxiety. Tell your friend/spouse about your resolve. Take action!