A HEART THAT GIVES: TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE
Mechelle Holbrook
Today’s Scripture: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17, ESV
Theme: Give what you have generously and don’t worry about what you don’t have.
GIVING WHAT YOU HAVE, NOT WHAT YOU DON’T
Sometimes we look at what others give — their money, skills, or time — and feel like what we have isn’t enough. Yet, God never asks us to give what we don’t have. He simply calls us to be faithful with what we do have. In Deuteronomy, God reminds His people to give in proportion to how He has blessed them. That means giving looks different for everyone, but the heart behind it should always be the same — generous and willing.
Giving isn’t just about money; it’s about offering every part of our lives back to God — our time, talents, and treasures. When we hold these with open hands, we discover that generosity isn’t measured by God the same way we measure it.
LEARNING TO GIVE FROM THE HEART
When my husband and I first accepted Christ, we were filled with excitement — and honestly, a little fear. We realized there were many areas we needed to surrender, and giving was one of them. I remember asking a Christian coworker if we were really supposed to tithe. She kindly explained that we were and encouraged us to start small. At that time, we hadn’t made the best financial decisions and didn’t have much margin. Who am I kidding? We had no margin!
But the Holy Spirit kept prompting us. We decided to take a step of faith and begin giving — even just a little. One year, we gave our income tax refund (back when that was a thing)! Eventually, we committed to tithing 10% of our income, and that simple act of obedience taught us something deeper: everything we have belongs to God. He’s the one who gives us the job, the ability to work, the transportation to get there, and the wisdom to do it well.
That lesson grew and we realized giving also meant going above and beyond, offering our time to serve others and our talents to build God’s kingdom. Often that was right here, partnering with The Cove. Sometimes generosity looks like listening to someone that was hurting, volunteering, mentoring, or simply being present when someone needs encouragement.
A LIFE OF GENEROSITY
It’s still not always easy because we are human, but when we look back over the years, we can clearly see how faithful God has been. Every time we’ve been prompted to give and acted in obedience — whether to a person, a ministry, or with our time — God has always provided.
Generosity is really a posture of the heart. You can give money without love, but you can’t love without giving something of yourself. Like the widow who gave her last coin (Mark 12:41-44 ESV), God isn’t looking at the amount — He’s looking at our willingness. And like the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22 ESV), we can sometimes hold tightly to what we think is “ours.” But when we open our hands, we make room for God to fill them again.
Maybe you feel like your offering — your time, skills, or finances — isn’t much. But God delights in your obedience, not your comparison. Whether it’s volunteering at church, sharing your gifts with others, or giving financially, every act of generosity points others to Jesus and shows others the Father's love. I have a couple friends that have had a hard life, but God rescued them. They don’t have much in terms of money, but they will help anyone, love big, and give generously their time and talents. They have taught me a lot. I want to be more like them, generous even when I don’t have material possessions.
Make It Personal: Which area comes easiest for you to give — your time, your talents, or your treasures? Which is the hardest? How has God blessed you recently, and how might you give back “in proportion” to that blessing? Ask God to show you one way this week to be generous — maybe with your attention, your abilities, or your finances.
Pray: Lord, everything I have belongs to You — my time, my abilities, and my resources. Help me to give from the heart, to be faithful with what You’ve placed in my hands, and to trust You with the rest. Amen.
Read: Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 19:16-22, 1 John 3:17
Weekly Memory Verse: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6, ESV