Pouring In & Being Poured Into

The Dream that Woke Up My Giving Spirit (and Maybe Yours Too)

Alright, folks, let's talk about a dream I had last night. Now, I'm not usually one for dream interpretations, but this one felt different. It was like a full-blown livestream sermon, complete with flashing social media comments scrolling by. And the topic? Giving back to those who can't necessarily return the favor.

In my dream, I was on fire! Passionately preaching about this idea, and the people listening seemed genuinely moved. Woke up with that feeling clinging to me, a nudge that this message needed to go beyond dreamland.

You see, I hear a lot about giving – especially in Christian circles. But sometimes, it feels like we forget the true essence of it all. Don't get me wrong, having people pour into our lives is a beautiful thing. But there's a wisdom and understanding needed here.

Remember Proverbs 3:27? "Withhold no good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." It's a clear message. If God has blessed you with the ability to help someone in need, why wouldn't you? Turning down that opportunity to show Christ's love? Not cool, my friends. Think about it – that could be a missed assignment from the big man upstairs!

Now, some might think, "But wait, what about reciprocity? Shouldn't they give back too?" Here's the thing: helping others shouldn't be a quid pro quo situation. Look at Jesus. He knew the people he was saving wouldn't be able to "pay him back" in the traditional sense. Yet, his purpose fueled him, and he turned to God for his strength.

That's the key, right? We turn to God for everything – physical needs, emotional needs, you name it. When we pour into others, we don't expect them to fill our cups in return. God's love is the ultimate source. He's always there to replenish our joy, peace, and courage, no matter the situation.

Here's the beautiful part: choosing to live for Him means He guides you. He puts you in situations that build your faith, gives you strength to face challenges, and wisdom to make the right choices. He's your constant companion, biggest supporter, and always has your back.

Now, there might be a voice in your head whispering, "But what about those who don't follow the same path?" See, their actions might be driven by a desire for a return on investment. Proverbs 14:3 warns us about that kind of thinking. It might sound wise on the surface, but it's all about control.

Let's not fall into the trap of thinking those we help owe us something. Remember, God's forgiveness and second chances are endless. He rewards faithfulness and dedication. Our focus should be on generosity – with our time, money, and resources. Everything we have comes from Him, and it's all meant to glorify Him.

Think about 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It paints a beautiful picture of love: patient, kind, not envious, not boastful. It's about truth, not keeping a record of wrongs. Love is the foundation, the driving force behind everything we do. Without it, our actions are meaningless.

So, whenever we step out to do good in the Lord's name, let's revisit Matthew 6:1-4. Don't do it for show, don't do it for earthly recognition. Do it out of love for God and His people. Our reward is in heaven, folks. Our audience of one is God. Let's live to honor Him and bring glory to His name.

Now, here's the cool part. While we're pouring into others, guess what? God's gonna be pouring into us! We just gotta get out of our own way and let Him work. As we show love to others, He'll shower us with His grace. And as we trust Him to lead us, we can be confident He'll fulfill His promises. Doors will open, opportunities will arise, and we'll have the courage to embrace the path He has laid out.

So, there you have it. A dream that turned into a message, a nudge to open our hearts and truly embody the spirit of giving. Let's go out there, show some love, and trust that God's got our backs (and hearts) filled to the brim. After all, that's what it's all about, right?

Pouring