Out of Abundance

We give out of abundance. What we have plenty of we are more willing to give away. If we were to have two copies of the same film, we would likely have no issue giving that copy away to a friend. If we ever cook to much for ourselves or our families, many of us are quick to jump on the phone and see if we can fill a few more spots at the table. Since we have in abundance we also tend to give that which we have much of. Sometimes, even though we are willing, people do not always accept a gift that is free. In Britain, a price comparison company was attempting to give away 5 pound notes. The gentlemen in the above picture stood on two of the busier streets, encountered over 1800 people and only 28 people took the free money. Mind you they had to ask for it, which is probably a significant reason why most didn't. We are ok with giving out of abundance, we are less ok with asking out of need.

However, I believe we all give out of abundance. In Luke 6:45 we are told that out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks. So whether your are preaching from a pulpit, teaching seminars to business people, teaching children, or sitting around having coffee with friends, as you are talking, you are giving out of abundance. The question is, what is it that you have in abundance. When a lame man asked Peter and James for some alms, this is what they said "Silver and gold I have none, but what I do have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Acts 3:6. The disciples had abundance of faith, so they gave away a blessing worth much more than a hot meal or shelter. It would have been easier to give him money, but that did not have an abundance of money but of the Spirit. Do we have an abundance of the spirit? When we speak, and we encouraging each other, or are we more concerned with proving a point, or gossiping, or foolish talk?

So,I say live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature, for the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other so you do not do what you want. Galatians 5.16-18