Have you ever been challenged with giving when it seemed as though you barely had enough for yourself?  Barely enough time.  Barely enough energy.  Barely enough money.  Barely enough encouragement.  Barely enough.  For sure, it’s those times–the times when it seems as though we can afford it the least–that our giving is most significant and impactful.  Giving outside of ourselves–outside of our comfort zone–is the true essence of giving beyond.

Even if you were hesitant to raise your hand in response to my last question, you’ll have to agree with me that it’s much easier–almost uneventful to some extent–to give when you have plenty.  Plenty of time to spare.  Plenty of energy.  Plenty of money in the bank or the wallet or both.  Plenty of encouragement and inner peace.  Plenty.  Am I right?  I am because that’s giving that anyone can do, without much effort or thought of consequence or inconvenience.  Because there’s plenty, there’s no stretch involved.  No potential sacrifice.  No going beyond.

But, in fact, if we’re only giving the limited, measured, comfortable, routine amounts, we’re not going far enough.  I’m not saying that every measure of giving will require giving beyond ourselves, but there should be a willingness of heart and generous spirit about us that keeps us ready to share and be liberal, as the Lord and others need us.

And the good news is that you can’t ever give without putting yourself in a position to receive an abundance of the same back in return (Mark 10:29, 30).  Proverbs 11 promises that even though you may be giving on every front–and feel like it’s more than you have to give–you will increase, not decrease!  (vv.24, 25.)  God will ensure that you are blessed and your life is enhanced and enriched, resulting in even more to give!  It’s a beautiful cycle that keeps on giving.

So stir up your heart to go beyond your current, normal level of giving and watch your giving have greater impact (and bring more fulfillment) than ever before.