The Way God Blesses Us Series

REF NO: 025

COLUMNIST: Rudolf Nii Yemoh Mensah, Prelate, Oasis Potterlight Chapel International

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 18:16, NLT: "Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!"

BACKGROUND: The passage (verse) teaches us how God uses our gift to open bigger doors for us.

THE MAIN MESSAGE

What does this verse really mean? Often times, I've heard people quote this verse out of context. Many preachers and teachers relate it to talent but it isn't so in the original Hebrew translation.

In the Original Hebrew text you'll discover that the writer is referring to financial matters. In fact, when you look it up, you will find that in Palestine (Middle East) it was customary for a man to bring a gift to an individual in order to be heard by that individual. You had to present a gift before anyone would even discuss business with you.

Other people have also related this idea to mean giving bribe. But this is also so wrong. the gift mentioned in this passage is not a bribe. The Hebrew word used here is "mattan" and differs from the word for a bribe which is "shochad".

According to the Strong's Concordance, the Hebrew word translated "gift" (mattan) in Prov. 18:16 means a gift, offering or present '. And the word "room" means to 'broaden'. So, in other words, we could read that verse like this: "A man's present will broaden, cause expansion, or create opportunity for him. And, on top of all that, a man's present will bring him before great men."

God knows the power of a gift. That’s why he didn’t institute a “church tax.” He wanted every gift to be given from one’s own will so that when the blessings come, we understand how God worked through our gift to prosper our wellbeing.

I like the way the New International Version translates Prov. 18:16. It may make it easier to understand the meaning of the verse: A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. (Prov. 18:16. NIV).

There is something else I want you to see concerning the value of a gift. Prov. 17:8 says, "A gift is as a PRECIOUS STONE in the eyes of him that hath it. Whithersoever it turneth, it PROSPERETH." This scripture says that a gift is as a precious stone.

You need to understand that a gift is of value and that a gift makes room for you. In other words, a gift will open doors of opportunity for you.

Proverbs 21:26: "the righteous gives and does not hold back".

What gift do you have? Are you a giver or a receiver? How often do you give? It will make room for you. In other words, your gift will make a way for you. You will be brought before great, affluent and prominent people because of your gift.

According to Scripture, it is a good thing to give because it ushers you to your breakthrough. It is good to give. Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35, NLT: "And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

It is more blessed to give than receive because giving will give you the miracle and favour that you need. Giving will open unusual doors of favour and greatness. It will put you in the status of a big man.

When we give, we are putting ourselves in a place of humility and offering that God shows favour upon. God is looking to bless those who obey Him and pursue the things of His kingdom on earth!

It is more blessed to give than receive because giving promotes financial breakthroughs. Giving causes God to give us more than we gave.

Luke 6:38, NLT: Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

What you add to the wellbeing of life on earth, you receive back in fulfillment. God will amazingly give you far more than you will ever give to support the kingdom. God will give more more than you ever gave to support those who are in need. Jesus Himself said that much more blessings are allocated to givers than takers. That is why givers never lack and never would. Giving promotes prosperity.

The giver becomes prosperous in all his ways, praise the Lord! What gift have you given to somebody this new year? What gift are you going to give to support the church and others this year? Never grow tired in giving. Giving is good! Giving is of God! Be of God by demonstrating the essence of love through giving! Show some love!