The Gift of Giving

By Sis. Joan Amora-Sabino

Reading for the day: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

“And God will generously provide all you need, then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Every Christmas, people find unique ways to express the true essence of the season—a time of love and giving. For example, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) send balikbayan boxes filled with carefully chosen gifts for their loved ones in the Philippines. Others take vacations to reconnect with family, share groceries with those in need, and participate in local feeding programs or gift-giving initiatives. These acts of kindness reflect the generosity God has placed in the human heart and serve as a reminder of His divine provision.  

The act of giving is not just a tradition but a spiritual exercise. When we share what we have, we become instruments of God’s blessings to others.

When we share what we have, we become instruments of God’s blessings to others.

Why are we able to give? It’s because our God is our Provider. He supplies us not only with our own needs but also with our means to care for others, ensuring that His love flows through us to reach those in need.  

God is our Provider, our Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14). We cannot give without the blessing of God. He is faithful to His promise that He will provide everything we need (Philippians 4:19). 

This Christmas season, we are reminded of the ultimate expression of God’s generosity: the giving of His Son, Jesus Christ. God the Father’s sacrifice is the ultimate proof of His love and provision, a gift that transcends every earthly blessing. The provision and generosity of God extend to everyone, as He gave His begotten Son to the whole world (John 3:16). This is the heart of what we celebrate at Christmas. We celebrate His being our ultimate provider – spiritually and materially.  

Within the Church, we experience the fullness of God’s blessings.

For those called to the Church, this sense of provision becomes even more profound. Within the Church, we experience the fullness of God’s blessings.

We are recipients of His generosity, from the leaders who guide us to the sacred spaces where we gather in worship. In Edmonton, for example, the establishment of a beautiful sanctuary is a tangible testament to God’s provision—a place where His family can come together to celebrate His grace. 

Today, God has not changed. He never withholds His generosity to provide for His people, and He will continue to provide for His Church in the end time. God’s provision is always present. He will always supply every need. For me as a minister, the words of our late Apostle Arsenio, “Bahala na ang Diyos,” have deeply impacted my heart. I am not afraid of losing material or temporary things in this world because God is able to meet the needs of His people.

So, always remain in the Word of God. Always trust in His provision. Don’t be afraid when it comes to giving. As I mentioned, the Apostle himself gave his life for the Church until his last breath. Now, it is our turn. It is our turn to shine for the work of God. Always serve the Lord. Always seek His kingdom, and He will provide what we need (Matthew 6:33).

Reflection: How about you? Are you able to share your blessings with others knowing that God is able to provide?