“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, NIV).

He was there for an infusion of immune globulin and was seated on the exam table when my nurse popped in, returning my credit card. It was Nurses’ Day, and I was buying lunch for our nurses. I explained the interruption to my patient, and he responded, “The more you give, the more He gives to you.” Then he added, “Physicians and preachers are all the same; they just give away everything.”

I wish his statement was more true of me.

One of our gospel’s major principles is that followers of Christ are called to give.

It’s clear in the teachings of Jesus, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42, NIV). It’s clear in the example of Jesus as He went to the cross and called us to follow.

When I was younger, I discovered I had accidently become rich by flowing with the natural current of U.S. physician culture. I had to unclutter my life, give more and draw boundaries so I might approach a balance between the sacrificial service, family support and personal pleasure that God preferred for me. I continued to tithe my gross income but had to pour out additional offerings for God’s work and the poor to reach God’s best plan for my life. This was not guilt, but an awakening—I share this not for the purpose that one should follow my example, but that each of us should examine our own lives and intentionally set ourselves on God’s path for getting and giving.

God has a different giving plan for each of us, connected to His individual plan for each of us in redeeming His world—but He has no plan for any of us in which getting is more important than giving. Our greatest joy is only in Him. Our lasting security is only in Him. Our families’ welfare rests with Him. And my patient’s statement is true, “The more you give, the more He gives to you;” with the understanding that His gift to us often comes in different currencies than the one we gave away. Just as gold is more valuable than dirt, His presence and His kingdom are far more valuable than gold, as so many life stories have proven to me.

One additional observation from years of trying to get it right: our purpose in life is linked to our giving—giving produces a listening ear. When our patients and friends recognize us as givers, they trust us more and are more inclined to listen when we speak about the Christ who gave His all for them.

Dear Father,

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18, NIV).

Amen