Financial freedom is something many of us seek, but perhaps we are using the wrong approach. Many books on finance focus on debt payoff and savings, but they leave out an essential ingredient. Giving is necessary to be financially free.
Giving empowers.
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” -
Luke 6:38 NKJV
When we give to others, even if we require funds, we change the dynamic of our situation. Recently my husband and I were planning to purchase a property when the financing suddenly fell through. We were able to get an extension on the closing, but we still had to find the funds in a short period. I checked every source I knew and was able to find the funds, but I was not sure that they would arrive in time. I was feeling stressed and unsure. After one meeting with the bank, I stopped for food before going home. I decided to pay for the order of car behind me in the drive-through. The people in the car waved their thanks and appeared so appreciative. Although it was a small gesture and a modest sum of money, the act empowered me. Afterward, I felt good and blessed. Even though I was seeking funds from others, I told myself I still had the means to be a blessing. Giving reminds us of the knowledge that we have something that can help and bless others. The act of giving takes us from a place of desperation to a place of power.
Open hands are required to receive.
When we extend our palms and fingers to give, our hands are also open to receiving. If we are so focused on saving or holding on to what we have due to a perceived lack, we close our hands, making a fist. Yet, to receive, our hands must be open. It is impossible to obtain while we are busy holding tightly to what we have. In doing so, we become focused on our circumstances, forgetting that Father God supplies all our needs according to His limitless riches.
Giving reminds us that God is our source.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it. -
Malachi 3:10 NKJV
When we focus on our debt or our bank account, we are focused on circumstances. It is necessary to look beyond our circumstances to reach a financial place we have not yet experienced. A definition of freedom is unrestricted use. As children of God, we have unlimited use of our Father's resources. By considering God's unlimited resources, we know that there is no lack and the financial blessing we seek is available. Giving through our tithes comes with biblical benefits attached. God has promised to bless our finances if we tithe.
If you are looking to experience financial freedom, consider how willing you are to give. Put your trust in God and make giving the first step in your financial freedom journey.