Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of a "giver" is deeply rooted in the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The act of giving is seen as a reflection of God's own nature and is encouraged among believers as a demonstration of faith, love, and obedience.God as the Ultimate Giver The Bible portrays God as the ultimate giver, whose generosity is boundless and unconditional. One of the most profound expressions of God's giving nature is found in John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of God's giving, offering His Son for the salvation of humanity. James 1:17 further emphasizes God's role as a giver: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." This passage underscores the consistency and purity of God's gifts, which are always good and perfect. Jesus Christ as a Model of Giving Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, exemplified the spirit of giving. He gave of Himself tirelessly, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately sacrificing His life for the redemption of mankind. In Matthew 20:28 , Jesus states, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This verse encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission and His selfless nature. The Call for Believers to Give Believers are called to emulate God's generosity and Christ's example by being givers themselves. The act of giving is not merely a duty but a privilege and a reflection of one's faith. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This instruction highlights the importance of the attitude behind giving, emphasizing joy and willingness rather than obligation. The early church is depicted as a community of givers, sharing their resources to meet the needs of others. Acts 2:44-45 describes this practice: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal spirit of giving was a testament to their unity and love for one another. Spiritual and Material Giving The Bible encourages both spiritual and material giving. Spiritual gifts, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church. Believers are urged to use these gifts generously for the common good. Material giving, such as tithes and offerings, is also a significant aspect of biblical teaching. Malachi 3:10 challenges believers: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts. "See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This promise of blessing underscores the reciprocal nature of giving in God's economy. The Heart of a Giver Ultimately, the heart of a giver is one that mirrors God's own heart—full of love, compassion, and generosity. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This wisdom literature affirms that giving is not only beneficial to the recipient but also enriches the giver, fostering a cycle of blessing and abundance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who gives; a donor; a bestower; a grantor; one who imparts or distributes.Greek 1395. dotes -- a giver ... dotes. 1396 . a giver. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: dotes Phonetic Spelling: (dot'-ace) Short Definition: a giver Definition: a giver. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1395.htm - 6k 3550. nomothetes -- a lawgiver 1431. dorea -- a gift 2624. katakleronomeo -- to distribute by lot 5162. trophos -- a nurse 2098. euaggelion -- good news Strong's Hebrew 5378. nasha -- to beguile, deceive... deceived (3), deluded (1), utterly deceived (1). debt, exact, giver of usury. A primitive root (perhaps identical with nasha', through ... /hebrew/5378.htm - 6k 2332. Chavvah -- "life," the first woman 494. Elnathan -- "God has given," the name of several Israelites 2066. Zabad -- "he has given," the name of several Israelites Library The Gift and the Giver The Rest Giver The Life-Giver and Judge "The Glad Giver" The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts Jesus Life-Giver and Judge. January the Twenty-Third the Giver's Hand Petilianus Said: "For what we Look to is the Conscience of the ... Concerning the one God Only to be Worshipped, Who, Although his ... After Proof that the Spirit is the Giver of Revelation Equally ... Thesaurus Giver (21 Occurrences)...Giver (21 Occurrences). ... (BBE). John 6:63 The spirit is the life giver; the flesh is of no value: the words which I have said to you are spirit and they are life. ... /g/giver.htm - 12k Law-giver (5 Occurrences) Life-giver (2 Occurrences) Astronomy Seat (256 Occurrences) Lawgiver (7 Occurrences) Feast (209 Occurrences) Maker (55 Occurrences) Nonimmersionist Non-immersionist Resources How can I become a more cheerful giver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is faith promise giving, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org Giver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Giver (21 Occurrences)Luke 14:9 Luke 14:10 John 6:63 Romans 3:26 Romans 15:5 Romans 15:13 Romans 16:20 1 Corinthians 3:7 2 Corinthians 9:7 1 Timothy 6:13 Hebrews 5:9 1 Peter 5:10 Numbers 35:27 Deuteronomy 32:39 Ruth 4:15 1 Samuel 2:6 Psalms 74:16 Proverbs 18:16 Isaiah 23:8 Isaiah 24:2 Isaiah 45:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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