V. Giving

A. The Greek word is metadidwmi "metadidomee" and means "to give to", "to share", "to impart".

B. This does not mean that only the giver gives, but it does mean that there are some people whose greatest joy is in giving.

C. Characteristics of a giver.

1. Depends easily on God to meet their financial need.
2. Is industrious - a hard worker; they have an ability to make money.
3. Has a very generous attitude; they desire to give large amounts into ministry.
4. Most easily gives up his assets for the benefit of others.
5. Always concerned that their gift is off high quality.
6. Seems to always have something to give when there is a need. Meets the needs otherwise overlooked.
7. Enjoy meeting needs without being pressured
8. Makes the largest contributions and pledges to the church.
9. Desire to be part of the work, or ministry that they give to.
10. Likes to motivate others to give.
11. Usually does not want others to know he is giving.
12. Enjoys seeing others blessed and their needs supplied through his giving.
13. Have great joy when their gift is an answer to prayer.
14. Gives self - not just money.

D. The giver's greatest joy is in seeing needs supplied and others blessed through his giving.

E. The giver's greatest dangers are:

1. Appear 'carnal' to others because they deal easily with large sums.
2. Often desire to control the work they give to. Tries to control how contributions are used
3. The encouragement of others may lead to the impression that they are not giving.
4. Tends to pressure others to give
5. May upset others who does not understand unpredictable giving patterns
6. Tends to spoil his own children
7. May use money to escape responsibility
8. May focus on projects instead of people
9. Spoils the receiver with high quality gifts
10. May become materialistic
11. May miss severe hidden needs if focusing on projects
12. May bring attention to himself with his giving
13. Sometimes fails to obey God's prompting immediately