The Emotions of Giving

It was easy to give my yellow tomatoes to my friend who can’t eat the red ones. I had grown the plant for her. I don’t particularly like yellow tomatoes. The plant didn’t need much space or require additional effort, and I felt no loss giving the yellow fruit away.

I must confess to feeling less inclined to give my red tomatoes away. I have had so few, and these feel like a special gift to me. But I share the prettiest ones anyway. There is plenty left for me, and I don’t care what they look like, just how they taste.

And I have learned something over my decades of gardening. Giving away some of my tomatoes makes the rest of them taste better, makes me feel better about myself. And my friends seem to appreciate them.

Giving is a tricky thing emotionally. My best giving is done, I think, when you have a need, and God has enabled me to meet it for you. God has put me in the right spot with the resources you need at that specific moment. When I am able to sense the synchronicity of God’s body working as one, the emotions are often overwhelming. I am awed at God’s amazing presence in the world.

Usually, my giving is a little less uplifting for me. I support the church universal, the people and property that facilitate my corporate worship, which enable me to worship with others on Sundays and throughout the week. I give in support of those agencies who are actively engaged in taking care of others, a sort of helping by proxy.

I am often removed emotionally from this giving. No high comes with the ACH draft from my checking account. The notice of payment sent does not send shivers down my spine. But God calls us to support those who are dedicating themselves to His service. God calls us to support those serving in His temple. God calls us to support those in need.

We are called to do this giving not because it makes us feel good, but because it reminds us that our resources are gifts from God. He has given us whatever time and money and strength we have. We are merely stewards.

Do not say to yourself, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today. Deuteronomy 8:17.

Giving is a way to remind ourselves that our resources are not merely for our benefit. God did not produce tomatoes in my garden just for me. God gave me the land and the time and the strength to have a garden so that He could bless other people as well.

Whether we are “tithing,” that is giving a set amount to support the ministers, staff, and physical needs of our churches, or “giving alms” to help those in need, or simply sharing our resources, allowing for others to “glean” from our excess, giving is a critical part of the God-centered life.

We are called to give in remembrance of all that God has given us. We are called to give because we are all members of one body, the body of Christ. We are called to give because that can be what love demands.

We give, not for the emotional high or the sense of well-being it may give us, but because we value God more highly than we value what we give away.

And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15.

So, don’t be stingy with the Halloween candy. Make your pledge to your church’s stewardship drive. Meet the pledges you made last year. Share your harvest. Remember it is God who gives us life and breath and resources.

Love in Christ, Betsy