Let me ask this simple question: Can you give what you don’t have?
To answer this question, let’s look at the inspiring story in the Bible about a lame beggar (unable to walk from birth and living on begging ) who gets healed at the Beautiful Gate by disciples Peter and John. The lame beggar had specifically asked the two disciples for money or coins, but Peter looked at him and said, “Silver and gold I do not have; but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Peter and John had no money and did not hide it from the beggar. To me, they had something more than money, and that is the healing power of Jesus Christ. Peter gave that to the beggar, which saw him rise and walk for the first time in his life.

Wow ! that’s a miracle. (Please Read the full story in Acts chapter 3).

I’ve often found myself in situations where I was asked to give, but I could not do it because I did not have. Do you also experience that sometimes? I’m talking about being at that place where you hear so much about giving, but you seem helpless, not because you don’t want to give but because you don’t have what they are asking for, in most cases, money. And when you don’t have something, giving it is impossible.

I want us to reconsider giving so we don’t feel guilty or helpless when we don’t have..

You have heard or are familiar with this verse: ‘ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” -Luke 6:38 and this other one in 2 Corinthians 9:7- ” Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

These verses are among many in the Bible that encourage us to give. But none of these verses mentions what specifically to give. I have yet to come across a verse in the Bible that specifies that our giving should always be money. If you find one, kindly let me know.

I, therefore, take it that giving can be anything, including money, items, or gifts one possesses, as Peter demonstrated at the beautiful gate. Peter had the gift to heal. That notwithstanding, do not hold back if you can give money at any time to support a worthy cause, including providing for the needy, contributing towards a community project, or supporting a family member or sibling. Do it willingly and out of your heart.

When you do not have money, ask yourself this question—what else do I have? Time, ideas, talents, energy, and even a smile are valuable gifts one can willingly give. What about those clothes that you bought but realized you do not need? Shoes, bags, books, food, etc. can all be given to someone or persons who need them.

Last year, one of our volunteers, Jemima, surprised me when she willingly took up the decorating assignment. By this, she used her talent in ribbon design and decorations to save our foundation money that would have been spent in hiring the services of a decorator.

Another volunteer, Sylvester, constantly communicated with the team in the Volta Region to ensure that our project was completed on schedule and according to specifications.

Apart from Jemima and Sylvester, let me add that each volunteer can be acknowledged for dedicating their time and making great suggestions. 

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you can’t give money, I suggest you stop worrying.

Offer what you have because, after all, you can only give what you have. And remember, your giving must always be out of love, not compulsion or pressure. You can read more about giving in my book “Straight Outta Love.” 

Let me conclude by encouraging you to give when you can. Always remember that giving is beneficial not only to the recipient(s) but can also be deeply rewarding for the giver.