WORD OF THE WEEK - GIVER - 8/25/25

Definition: A giver is a person who offers or donates something willingly to another person or organization, as an act of generosity or kindness, usually without expecting anything in return.
Scriptures:
Proverbs 14:31 - “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”
Luke 6:38 - ‘Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition: A giver is a person who offers or donates something willingly to another person or organization, as an act of generosity or kindness, usually without expecting anything in return.

Scriptures:
Proverbs 14:31 - “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”

Luke 6:38 - ‘Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

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


THOUGHT

GIVER

The United States of America—a country I love—was founded on biblical principles. Our early laws and values reflected a belief in benevolent giving, not just as charity, but as a way to survive and grow together as one nation under God.

In my community, I learned that a shortage for one was an opportunity for another to give. We prayed for, mourned with, and cared for each other. Giving was often anonymous, always heartfelt, and rooted in God’s provision.

But as wealth and opportunity grew, something shifted. Community faded. The condition of individuals and families became less important. The wealthiest among us began giving to foundations instead of people. Charitable giving became a form of advertising—beneficial, yes, but often impersonal.

In the 1980s and early 2000s, church giving changed too. “Seed of Faith” and Prosperity Gospel teachings reinterpreted biblical generosity. Giving became transactional—a way to secure divine favor, healing, or prosperity. The covenantal call to meet others’ needs was replaced with promises of personal gain.

Meanwhile, the wealthiest givers—Buffett, Turner, Gates, Soros, Zuckerberg, Winfrey, Scott—became the public face of generosity. Their gifts benefit thousands, but are often backed by corporate funds designed to preserve wealth. Their giving is strategic, targeted, and influential—but rarely relational.

Only one among them has modeled the kind of giving described in Matthew 6:1–4: “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” That kind of giving is quiet, humble, and free of promotion.

The church, however, continues to reflect God’s original design for benevolence: to increase human interdependence and deepen our relationships. Church giving remains community-based, sacrificial, and rooted in love—not strategy.  Yet today, 1 in 4 Americans eat every meal alone. Many don’t know their neighbors. Depression, isolation, and distrust are rising. We are polarized—politically, racially, economically—and the institutions meant to serve us are eroding.

We live as though we’ve forgotten that the love of God, stored in these fragile vessels of clay, is worth sharing. It seems the more we have, the less we give.

The divine Giver—God—gave us His Son. And His Son gave His life to save us all.

So I ask: What are we willing to give for all that we’ve received?

BECOME A GIVER.

Generosity heals, connects, and reflects the love of God.

Generosity in all its forms is less a duty than a divine joy.

Try a smile… it’s a start.