“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
The reality television series Hoarders made its debut on A&E in 2009. It depicts the lives of people who live with a compulsive hoarding disorder. To hoard means to store items perceived as valuable, ultimately guarding an accumulation of objects.
The show is typically filmed inside the homes of the individuals. Their houses are full of what we as viewers see as clutter, but these items are tied to significant memories that aren’t easy to let go of to the individual being filmed.
In watching the show, I initially couldn’t relate.
I couldn’t fathom how anyone could live surrounded by items they either needed to give away or do without.
In reality, the ability to give is hard for most of us.
Whether it’s giving our money, time, respect, love, forgiveness, or even the gifts God has freely given us, it’s safe to say many of us are attached to something that’s just too difficult to fathom letting go.
I previously attended a church where the pastor emphasized the tithes and offering portion of the service. Each time, he spoke explicitly about John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
The pastor then went on to explain how the ultimate way God showed his love for us was through what he gave.
God is a giver.
If God gives, so should we.
Giving is much more significant when you share things of value. God gave his one and only son. How much more valuable is He?
Our natural inclination is to hoard because we believe the possessions we want to hold onto can’t be replaced.
For the longest time, I felt this way about money. I spent several years living paycheck to paycheck, never able to enjoy life fully. It wasn’t until two years ago that my finances were finally balanced. At that time, I noticed how much I monitored my money. I would constantly calculate my spending and obsess over my finances. Honestly, I was afraid I would lose my money somehow and fall back into old patterns.
As time passed, I felt like I was hoarding, and after years of not tithing, I decided to tithe again. Even though a part of me wanted to save the money instead of tithe, I tithed anyway to break away from being so fixated on money. I also wanted to obey God. My motives were pure. Since then, I have received a bonus and a 17% income increase, all within six months.
It’s a constant reminder that sincere giving never leads to lack.
Give. Let go. God always has something better in store.
Prayer: God, thank you for being the ultimate giver. Teach me to give from a place of sincerity. Please give me the faith to relinquish control even when the outcome isn’t yet clear. Amen.
Your turn: Are you clinging to possessions, mindsets, or emotions God is nudging you to release? If so, what’s holding you back?