Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “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.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Heroes’ Day is an occasion to honor and celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and impact of heroes who have shaped our lives and communities. In the Bible, we find many stories about men and women whose lives reflect profound faith and steadfastness. These biblical heroes serve as timeless examples of virtues we can aspire to in our own lives.

Abraham: The Father of Faith

Abraham, often referred to as the “father of faith,” is a towering figure in the Bible. His story is one of unwavering trust in God. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a place he would be shown, Abraham obeyed without hesitation (Genesis 12:1-4). His willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God’s promise, is a testament to his profound faith (Genesis 22:1-18).

Moses: The Deliverer

Moses is celebrated as the deliverer of Israel from slavery in Egypt. His life is marked by acts of extraordinary bravery and faith. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses answered God’s call to lead the Israelites out of bondage, facing Pharaoh’s wrath and the perils of the wilderness (Exodus 3-14). His leadership and unwavering reliance on God highlight the importance of faith and perseverance.

Esther: The Courageous Queen

Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia, displayed remarkable courage and wisdom. When her people faced destruction, Esther risked her life by approaching King Xerxes uninvited to plead for their salvation. Her famous declaration, “If I perish, I perish,” (Esther 4:16) shows her bravery and selflessness in the face of great danger.

David: The Shepherd King

David, the shepherd boy who became king, is renowned for his faith and courage. His defeat of the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone is a powerful example of trusting in God’s strength rather than human might (1 Samuel 17). David’s life, though marked by imperfections, is a testament to God’s grace and the power of repentance.

Daniel: The Uncompromising Prophet

Daniel’s story is one of steadfast faith in a foreign land. Despite the threat of death, he refused to give up on his faith, continuing to pray to God even when it was not allowed. His survival in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) is a powerful reminder of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to Him.

Mary: The Obedient Servant

Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies obedience and humility. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Son of God, Mary’s response was one of submission to God’s will: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Her faith and willingness to accept God’s plan played a crucial role in the story of salvation.

Paul: The Zealous Apostle

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most zealous apostles of Christ. His missionary journeys, tireless preaching, and numerous epistles have profoundly shaped Christian theology and practice. Paul’s transformation and dedication to spreading the gospel, despite immense suffering and persecution, are inspiring examples of redemption and commitment (Acts 9, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Conclusion

As we celebrate Heroes’ Day, these biblical figures remind us that true heroism is rooted in faith, obedience, and a willingness to serve God’s purpose, even at great personal cost. Their stories encourage us to cultivate these virtues in our own lives, trusting that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

The Conversion of Saul

(Acts 22.6-16Acts 26.12-18)

1 In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest 2 and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem.

3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?”

5 “Who are you, Lord?” he asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you persecute,” the voice said. 6 “But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.”

7 The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything.

10 There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, “Ananias!”

“Here I am, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord said to him, “Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again.”

13 Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you.”

15 The Lord said to him, “Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. 16 And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake.”

17 So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord has sent me—Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; 19 and after he had eaten, his strength came back.

Saul Preaches in Damascus

Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. 20 He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God.

21 All who heard him were amazed and asked, “Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him.

23 After many days had gone by, the Jews met together and made plans to kill Saul, 24 but he was told of their plan. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But one night Saul's followers took him and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him. 27 Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 And so Saul stayed with them and went all over Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He also talked and disputed with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers found out about this, they took Saul to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

31 And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord.

Peter in Lydda and Joppa

32 Peter traveled everywhere, and on one occasion he went to visit God's people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had not been able to get out of bed for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ makes you well. Get up and make your bed.” At once Aeneas got up. 35 All the people living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

36 In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, who was a believer. (Her name in Greek is Dorcas, meaning “a deer.”) She spent all her time doing good and helping the poor. 37 At that time she got sick and died. Her body was washed and laid in a room upstairs. 38 Joppa was not very far from Lydda, and when the believers in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him with the message, “Please hurry and come to us.” 39 So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, he was taken to the room upstairs, where all the widows crowded around him, crying and showing him all the shirts and coats that Dorcas had made while she was alive. 40 Peter put them all out of the room, and knelt down and prayed; then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 Peter reached over and helped her get up. Then he called all the believers, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. 42 The news about this spread all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed on in Joppa for many days with a tanner of leather named Simon.

1 And Saul yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of ye Lord, went vnto the hie Priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the Synagogues, that if he found any that were of that way (either men or women) hee might bring them bound vnto Hierusalem. 3 Now as he iourneyed, it came to passe that as he was come neere to Damascus, suddenly there shined rounde about him a light from heauen. 4 And hee fell to the earth, and heard a voyce, saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he sayd, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord sayd, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kicke against pricks. 6 He then both trembling and astonied, sayd, Lord, what wilt thou that I doe? And the Lord sayd vnto him, Arise and goe into the citie, and it shall be tolde thee what thou shalt doe. 7 The men also which iourneyed with him, stood amased, hearing his voyce, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the ground, and opened his eyes, but sawe no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus, 9 Where he was three dayes without sight, and neither ate nor dranke. 10 And there was a certaine disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him sayd the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he sayd, Beholde, I am here Lord. 11 Then the Lord sayd vnto him, Arise, and goe into the streete which is called Straight, and seeke in the house of Iudas after one called Saul of Tarsus: for beholde, he prayeth. 12 (And he sawe in a vision a man named Ananias comming in to him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receiue his sight.) 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I haue heard by many of this man, howe much euill hee hath done to thy saints at Hierusalem. 14 Moreouer here hee hath authoritie of the hie Priestes, to binde all that call on thy Name. 15 Then the Lord said vnto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessell vnto me, to beare my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will shewe him, howe many things he must suffer for my Names sake. 17 Then Ananias went his way, and entred into that house, and put his hands on him, and sayd, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me (euen Iesus that appeared vnto thee in the way as thou camest) that thou mightest receiue thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had bene scales, and suddenly he receiued sight, and arose, and was baptized, 19 And receiued meate, and was strengthened. So was Saul certaine dayes with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway hee preached Christ in the Synagogues, that he was that Sonne of God, 21 So that all that heard him, were amased, and sayde, Is not this hee, that made hauocke of them which called on this Name in Hierusalem, and came hither for that intent, that hee should bring them bound vnto the hie Priests? 22 But Saul encreased the more in strength, and confounded the Iewes which dwelt at Damascus, confirming, that this was that Christ. 23 And after that many dayes were fulfilled, the Iewes tooke counsell together, to kill him, 24 But their laying awayte was knowen of Saul: nowe they watched the gates day and night, that they might kill him. 25 Then the disciples tooke him by night, and put him through the wall, and let him downe by a rope in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Hierusalem, he assayed to ioyne himselfe with the disciples: but they were all afrayd of him, and beleeued not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas tooke him, and brought him to the Apostles, and declared to them, howe hee had seene the Lord in the way, and that hee had spoken vnto him, and how he had spoken boldly at Damascus in the Name of Iesus. 28 And hee was conuersant with them at Hierusalem, 29 And spake boldly in the Name of the Lord Iesus, and spake and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 But when the brethren knewe it, they brought him to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the Churches rest through all Iudea, and Galile, and Samaria, and were edified and walked in the feare of the Lord, and were multiplied by the comfort of the holy Ghost. 32 And it came to passe, as Peter walked throughout all quarters, hee came also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certaine man named Aeneas, which had kept his couch eight yeeres, and was sicke of the palsie. 34 Then said Peter vnto him, Aeneas, Iesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise and trusse thy couch together. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron, sawe him, and turned to the Lord. 36 There was also at Ioppa a certaine woman, a disciple named Tabitha (which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was full of good workes and almes which she did. 37 And it came to passe in those dayes, that she was sicke and dyed: and when they had washed her, they layd her in an vpper chamber. 38 Now forasmuch as Lydda was neere to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent vnto him two men, desiring that he would not delay to come vnto them. 39 Then Peter arose and came with them: and when hee was come, they brought him into the vpper chamber, where all the widowes stoode by him weeping, and shewing the coates and garments, which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled downe, and prayed, and turned him to the body, and sayd, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she sawe Peter, sate vp. 41 Then he gaue her the hand and lift her vp, and called the Saints and widowes, and restored her aliue. 42 And it was knowen throughout all Ioppa, and many beleeued in the Lord. 43 And it came to passe that he taried many dayes in Ioppa with one Simon a Tanner.