A Christian image showing generosity, compassion and helping those in need, with an open Bible and a cross representing God's love. The image highlights the biblical teaching that God values a generous heart and that believers should use what they have to bless others.
WHEN YOU BLESS OTHERS, GOD SEES YOUR HEART
How many people today are struggling to pay their bills?
How many are worried because they do not have enough food?
How many are feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and wondering how they will manage?
These are very real problems affecting millions of people.
But perhaps we should ask ourselves another important question:
ARE WE ONLY FOCUSED ON WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE, OR ARE WE ALSO LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BLESS OTHERS?
The Bible teaches a powerful principle:
WHEN WE SHOW KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY TOWARDS OTHERS, GOD SEES THE CONDITION OF OUR HEARTS.
Jesus taught His followers not to live only for themselves, but to love others, give generously and care for those in need.
Jesus said:
“Give to everyone who asks you, and whoever takes away your goods, do not ask them back.”
— Luke 6:30
He also taught:
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
— Luke 14:13–14
THE WORLD OFTEN THINKS DIFFERENTLY
Many people today say:
“Why give money away?”
“Why help people who cannot repay you?”
“Look after yourself first.”
From a worldly point of view, this may seem logical.
But God's way is often very different from the world's way.
Jesus taught that true riches are not measured only by what we own in this present life.
The treasures we build with God are eternal.
Jesus said:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:19–20
THE DANGER OF LOVING MONEY
The Bible never teaches that having money is wrong.
However, Scripture repeatedly warns about loving money more than loving God and people.
Some people spend their entire lives trying to become richer, but forget that one day everything they own will be left behind.
No amount of money can be taken into the grave.
Jesus warned:
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”
— Mark 8:36
The question is not simply:
“How much money do I have?”
The greater question is:
“WHAT AM I DOING WITH WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME?”
GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER
Paul wrote:
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Notice something important.
Giving should not be forced.
Giving should come from a willing heart.
God is not simply interested in the amount we give.
God sees the reason why we give.
A small gift given with love can be more valuable in God's eyes than a large gift given for pride or recognition.
HELPING THE POOR IS A CLEAR BIBLICAL TEACHING
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly commands His people to care for the poor, the weak and those in need.
Proverbs says:
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
— Proverbs 11:25
James gave one of the strongest warnings about faith without action:
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
— James 2:14–17
FAITH MUST PRODUCE LOVE
True faith is not only words.
True faith produces action.
If we claim to love God but ignore people who are suffering, Scripture challenges us to examine our hearts.
John wrote:
“Whoever has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”
— 1 John 3:17
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I have personally experienced something powerful in my own life.
When I have helped people who are struggling and given to those in need, I have seen God's blessings and favour in ways I cannot explain.
One example was when I helped Angel's mother during a time when she was ill.
A small gift of £25 may not seem like much to some people, but to someone in need it can mean everything.
It is not always about the amount.
It is about showing love, compassion and kindness.
I have found that the more I desire to help others, the more I see God's blessings in my own life.
For more than 22 years, I have not experienced the level of blessing and provision that I experience today.
I give thanks to my Father in heaven through Jesus Christ.
I believe this reflects the biblical principle:
WHAT WE SOW, WE REAP.
Paul wrote:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:6
DO NOT LET OTHERS STOP YOU FROM DOING GOOD
Sometimes people may question why we help others.
Some may say:
“You should keep that money for yourself.”
“Why help people overseas?”
“Why give when you could spend it on yourself?”
But we must ask:
WHAT DOES GOD AND CHRIST TEACH?
Not:
“What does the world think?”
Jesus freely gave.
Jesus served others.
Jesus cared for the poor.
Jesus taught His followers to do the same.
He said:
“Freely you have received; freely give.”
— Matthew 10:8
THE CHALLENGE
I encourage everyone to examine their own heart.
You must decide before God what you are able to give.
Do not give because of pressure.
Do not give to receive praise from people.
Give because you love God and want to show love towards others.
Try it yourself.
Look for opportunities to bless people.
Help those who genuinely need help.
And remember:
GOD SEES WHAT PEOPLE DO NOT SEE.
He sees the kindness.
He sees the sacrifice.
He sees the heart.
FINAL THOUGHT
The world often teaches:
“Keep more for yourself.”
Jesus teaches:
“Give.”
The world says:
“Protect only your own interests.”
Jesus teaches:
“Love your neighbour.”
The world says:
“You will be happier when you have more.”
Jesus teaches:
“There is greater joy in serving God and others.”
I am Simon Brown.
May God bless you, and may we all learn to use what God has given us to bless others.
Also read: Why are Christians living in such poverty? Part 1.
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