What Are The Risks Of Giving… A Lot?
Posted on October 3, 2012 by“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.” (Pr 19:17 NLT)
Every investment has a Risk/Return factor associated with it. When a business man or business woman is asked to put their finances and/or time into a venture it is wise for them to consider the projected return. The return is compared to the possible loss that is associated with an investment. Conventional wisdom says; “the greater the projected return, the greater the risk one might have to take.” Whether or not greater risk can be justified by larger projected profit depends on the risk tolerance of the business person.
Have you ever considered that pro bono work, charitable contributions, benevolent gifts to the less fortunate, or supporting the poor and unfortunate members of our society as making a loan to God? Just how risky is that investment? Have you considered that such compassionate practices work for the betterment of the bottom line of one’s business?
General accounting practices put charitable gifts as an expense item, not a capital investment or even an asset. But, in God’s accounting system, giving to the needy without requiring repayment is not a write-off, but an investment with a guaranteed repayment from God! Now, how secure is that?
Remove the thought of risk, when giving generously of your time or money. Unselfish charity causes the philanthropist to receive a promissory note from God that God Himself will repay at a later date and He will add blessings with it! Consider the wisdom in this passage.
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”
(Pr 22:9)
Blessings are those unexpected windfall returns that you didn’t even know were coming. We often call them unpredictable opportunities. They can show up as huge financial, emotional or spiritual benefits. You see, God has a spiritual law that is always in effect. It’s called, “The Law of Sowing and Reaping”. This biblical principle states that; “A person will always reap what they sow; later than when they sow; and always more than they sow.” So, the returns reaped later in time as a results of generous giving, or sowing into the life of someone less fortunate, will always results in a greater return. There are always more rewards than risks associated with philanthropic giving.
Thoughts to Ponder
- Do you view giving to the needy as reducing your risk?
- Do you believe that God wants to use you to help the needy?
- Have you ever been the one in need?
- Who did God send to help you?
- Did you realize that it was God that sent them?
Erven Kimble is an accomplished pastor, teacher, author, community leader, licensed Christian Counselor and Real Estate entrepreneur. Erven is a visionary that has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of a local church in Lilburn, Georgia for twenty years.
The author searched the Book of Proverbs and Psalms and extracted wisdom that reference business and finances to produce the series of articles called “Business By The Book”. The purpose of these articles is to present time tested and proven Biblical principles in a way that is practical, relevant and beneficial to the average business person.
