Do you give to receive or do you simply give?

Most of us are taught as children it is better to give than to receive. How does that play out in our day to day lives? The majority of us get really excited when birthdays roll around or Christmas and we go in search of the perfect gift for that special someone. When we present the gift we’ve spent hours even days in search of, we wait with great anticipation for our recipient to open the gift. We find we are more excited about it than they are.

Watch this video before you continue reading.

2 Corinthians 9:7 reads: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Doesn’t the example I just laid out sound like a cheerful giver? Well…maybe/maybe not. What do you think?

I came upon this video one day and no matter how many times I watch it, I cry in the same place every time. Here’s a man with absolutely nothing to gain who doesn’t think twice about helping a child he sees in need. In fact, he’s out of pocket a few bucks. Next he sees a destitute man and once again he gives.

Take a moment to watch. I’ll wait….

So, is giving the best communication? Do we give expecting something in return? Do we give because it makes us feel good? Or, like the man in the video do we give because it’s in our heart to give with no strings attached.

My daddy, for as long as I can remember, carried around two thousand dollars in his wallet always. As a kid I thought it was really cool that my daddy had all that money sitting right inside that secret place in his wallet. When I became an adult, I thought he was crazy to carry that much cash around. One day I finally asked him why. He said, “In case somebody needs it.”

Is the old adage what goes around comes around apply to giving too?

If you knew you’d never be repaid, would you still give? What say you?