"He who did not withhold or spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all other things?" (Romans 8:32). It is the nature of our loving God to give. Consider some of what He has given to you as a believer in Christ - eternal life with Him, healing by the stripes of Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the power to get wealth.
God's desire is for us to send on those blessings that we've received, much like the river illustration above... as it will honor Him and also show the grace He has given to us. It is written that the kingdom of God is based on sowing and reaping, so that sowing -- planting, giving, casting is the first step.
It can be easy for us to be drawn in too far towards our own desires during this Christmas Season, so it is best to recall this scripture from Psalms 37:4 - "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart."
We can delight ourself in the Lord by giving. Ask God to speak to your heart about where you can be generous to others, and be ready to do so when He prompts you. It may be financial (there is a special need in our church now to assist our new Pastor because of expenses related to moving), it could be of some thing you own, or even giving of your time.
It may be that your giving could be out of your need, be assured that as you trust God and give, He will show Himself to be true to His Word and meet your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Think about how much God has given freely to us, His creation. He first provided every tree (except one) and plant from the garden of Eden, His Word - which is priceless because it shares with us the mind of God, a kingdom that cannot be shaken, His only Son to show us how He lovingly relates to us before He died for our sins.
Even Jesus gave to us something so important He had to leave in order to send to us... His Holy Spirit, who is written as our Helper, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby, and the Holy Spirit will help us to remember everything that Jesus taught (John 14:26).
Lastly, be encouraged in your giving with this final scripture, knowing that it has no end. (2 Corinthians 9:9) As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
