| THE GIFT OF GIVING Definition: the gift of being able to freely give to meet the needs of others and to help the ministry of the Lord. Character who illustrates this gift: Matthew. Scriptural guidelines for givers: Rom. 12:13; Matt. 10:8; Luke 6:38. Characteristics: 1. Has the ability to make good investments. (See Deut. 8:18). 2. Gives freely of money, time, possessions, and energy to others. 3. Loves to give without others knowing about it. (See Matt. 0:1-4.) 4. Very frugal and wise in business matters. 5. Gives only to effective ministries. 6. Will refrain from giving when pressure is put on to do so. 7. Uses his own giving to motivate other people. 8. Quickly recognizes needs that should be met and given to. 9. Special joy comes when his giving answers prayers. 10. Wants to be part of what he is giving to. 11. Intercedes for needs and the salvation of souls. 12. Wants gifts to be of high quality or craftsmanship. 13. Views hospitality as an opportunity to give. 14. Quickly volunteers help where a need is seen. 15. Seeks confirmation on the amount to give. 16. Has a strong belief about tithing and giving above the tithe. 17. Believes that God is the source of his supply. 18. Is very hard-working and usually succeeds at what he does. 19. Likes to get the best value for the money spent. 20. Possesses both natural and God-given wisdom. Typical problem areas for the gift of giving: 1. May appear to be materialistic. 2. May try to control how contributions are used. 3. May pressure others to give. 4. May appear to be stingy when rejecting pressure to give. 5. May appear selfish through personal frugality. 6. May appear proud and cocky when testifying. 7. May measure other people's spirituality by financial assets. 8. May become proud of his own generosity. 9. May upset own family with unpredictable patterns of giving. 10. Tends to spoil own children or other relatives. Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Administration Mercy |