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the getting, of course, is seeing His face, at last, is it not? Is that not why we have our breath, our life, our being?
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I always give with the expectation of getting.
But I always get with the expectation of giving, so it all balances.
How can you read Luke 6.38 and not realize there is some getting in there? In fact in a 40 word Scripture, one word talking about giving and 39 about getting.
Blessings,
Ben
One aspect that I've notice amongst hearing the accounts of many christians allows me to make one conclusion:
I should serve the Lord correctly b/c he gave me life and as a christian slavation thus I should not expect nothing in return due to the things that he has given me.
There is a verse in the bible, I forgot its location, in which states that everything will be given to us as addition. (If anyone can find that verse I'll greatly appreciate it). Thus if we live a correct life, including not expetcing God to give us anything in return beacuse we did for what he has already given us, then I am sure that many more blessings will be added to your life.
Obedience is key, it will influnce all that big and little details of one's life.
I believe the defintion of "reward" is the problem. Many read "reward" as some kind of material benefit. I've come to realize that the "reward" is actually the object of your search. As you seek God you will gain more knowledge, experience and (most importantly) a deeper relationship (walk?) with Him. For the true disciple of Christ this a greater reward than any material blessing we could ever hope to get out of Him.
I would say, however, that it is a false dichotomy to suggest that we must believe His reward is EITHER a closer relationship with the Father OR material blessing.
The point, I believe, is to make sure our focus is on the giver and not on His gifts. The desire of God is for his blessings to bring us closer to him. I'd assume we are no different when we give a gift to someone we have a close relationship with. Sadly, the blessings of God can, and often do, become a curse as the scriptures clearly show (Revelation 3:17).
I like what Big Daddy Weave says in his song, "Audience of One";
"...Seeking Your face, and not only Your hand..."
That, I believe, shows a perfect balance. Seeking the face of God, and not ONLY His hand. IOW, we need BOTH the face AND the hand of God.
Motive. Heart attitude. These are the keys that make all the difference.
One aspect that I've notice amongst hearing the accounts of many christians allows me to make one conclusion:
I should serve the Lord correctly b/c he gave me life and as a christian slavation thus I should not expect nothing in return due to the things that he has given me.
There is a verse in the bible, I forgot its location, in which states that everything will be given to us as addition. (If anyone can find that verse I'll greatly appreciate it). Thus if we live a correct life, including not expetcing God to give us anything in return beacuse we did for what he has already given us, then I am sure that many more blessings will be added to your life.
Obedience is key, it will influnce all that big and little details of one's life.
the getting, of course, is seeing His face, at last, is it not? Is that not why we have our breath, our life, our being?
Not from the context of Luke 6.38! Unless you believe that our breath, our life, our being and seeing His face is given to us by men!
No - if you give, what is given back to you is given by men. Read the verse!
Blessings,
Ben
How do you seek God then Grapegirl?
Does your walk of faith not include giving? Yes, seeking God is more than giving, but it definitely includes it.
Seek God does not mean go looking for Him - He dwells within us, He is not lost! It means to walk with God in a way in which His life inside us can flow out. That cannot be done without giving.
Blessings,
Ben
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
This means that God provides for all our needs when we seek after Him and live for Him first and foremost.
Originally Posted by brinny
the getting, of course, is seeing His face, at last, is it not? Is that not why we have our breath, our life, our being?
Not from the context of Luke 6.38! Unless you believe that our breath, our life, our being and seeing His face is given to us by men!
No - if you give, what is given back to you is given by men. Read the verse!
Blessings,
Ben
Then my motivation to give is out of obedience and because I love God I want to obey Him... I don't see the point you're trying to make.
The point is, scripture says we must believe that God is a rewarder of those that seek Him. So when God speaks to us and says, "Give that guy over there $100. I know you need that $100 for your electric bill, but give it to him, and I'll make sure your electric bill is taken care of.", it is not wrong to *expect* God to fulfill that.
Motivation in our giving is very important. But what I see being suggested in this thread by some is that we should expect *nothing* for our giving. While this is true of my giving to you, (i.e. if I give you something, I should expect nothing in return from you), it is not at all true of our relationship with God. It is not wrong to *expect* that God will reward us, in innumerable ways, as we walk with Him and follow after His voice. In fact, Hebrews tells us that we MUST believe this. I MUST believe that as I am obedient to God in my giving, that He will reward that. That may well include a financial reward. It may be a deeper relationship with Him, or a greater revelation of His Love. Whatever that *reward* is, I MUST believe that by seeking God in my giving, He rewards that.
The point is, scripture says we must believe that God is a rewarder of those that seek Him. So when God speaks to us and says, "Give that guy over there $100. I know you need that $100 for your electric bill, but give it to him, and I'll make sure your electric bill is taken care of.", it is not wrong to *expect* God to fulfill that.
Motivation in our giving is very important. But what I see being suggested in this thread by some is that we should expect *nothing* for our giving. While this is true of my giving to you, (i.e. if I give you something, I should expect nothing in return from you), it is not at all true of our relationship with God. It is not wrong to *expect* that God will reward us, in innumerable ways, as we walk with Him and follow after His voice. In fact, Hebrews tells us that we MUST believe this. I MUST believe that as I am obedient to God in my giving, that He will reward that. That may well include a financial reward. It may be a deeper relationship with Him, or a greater revelation of His Love. Whatever that *reward* is, I MUST believe that by seeking God in my giving, He rewards that.
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)What I believe (i.e., my interpretation) is that Jesus is encouraging generosity, not greediness.
Give -
1) to give
2) to give something to someone
a) of one's own accord to give one something, to his advantage
1) to bestow a gift
b) to grant, give to one asking, let have
c) to supply, furnish, necessary things
d) to give over, deliver
The reason I mention this is that I recently heard a prominent televangelist say that it was dumb for us to give without expecting something in returnwhat fool would do that? That view of giving did not set with me because the following scripture (which, incidentally, as it turns out, was just a few verses before the one above) came to mind:But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. (Luke 6.35).Do these verses contradict each other? If not, how do you explain the difference messages between these two statements?
Lend
1) to lend money
2) to have money lent to one's self
3) to take a loan, borrow
In my opinion - anyone who says they give (anything, time, money etc.), and don't expect something in return is a liar.
Even if all you are expecting is a thank you or some gratitude - maybe a smile - you always expect something in return for your giving.
Just this afternoon I was eating lunch and paid the bill for tow soldiers. They didn't know who it was from and I made the waitress promise she would not tell them.
Their smile was what I was expecting - that's what I got for blessing them.
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