Giver > Gifts: Why We Do What We Do

Not a transaction, just love.

Beloved Friend,

This weekend, something struck me about how we approach God and the things we do for Him. You know how we sometimes give, fast, or pray, and it feels like we’re ticking off some spiritual checklist? Or even worse, like we’re trying to exchange our works for God’s blessings, like a trade by barter?

I thought about the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18. The Pharisee stood before God, boasting, “I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” Meanwhile, the tax collector barely raised his eyes to heaven and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who left justified. Why? Because it’s not about what we do but why we do it; and who we trust while doing it.

But before I go further, let’s clarify something: works like fasting and prayer absolutely carry power. James 5:16 tells us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” And we see how Esther’s three-day fast moved heaven, saving an entire nation from destruction (Esther 4:16). Jesus Himself told His disciples in Matthew 17:21 that certain breakthroughs come only by prayer and fasting.

Yet, the key is obedience and the heart behind the act. Look at Elijah in 1 Kings 18:36-39. He called down fire from heaven; not to prove himself, but in obedience and faith in God. His prayer demonstrated trust in the Giver, not in the act of prayer itself.

Then there’s Abraham, who obeyed God’s unthinkable instruction to sacrifice Isaac. He wasn’t trying to manipulate God into blessing him more; he simply trusted and loved God enough to obey. Because of this, Abraham became the father of many nations, as God had promised.

Now, contrast that with how we sometimes behave. Have you ever heard people say, “Let me just give this beggar; I don’t know what deeds God is using to keep me”? Or, “I’ve fasted and prayed more than this person, so why are they getting blessed before me?” It’s as though we’re trying to calculate and negotiate with God, forgetting that His blessings aren’t wages earned but gifts given freely out of His love.

James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” God doesn’t give based on who fasts the longest or prays the hardest; He gives out of His infinite grace and mercy.

This doesn’t negate the power of our works. When we fast, pray, give, or serve in obedience to God, we position ourselves in alignment with His will, opening the door for Him to move mightily in our lives. The key is to focus on the Giver, not the gifts. Let your fasting and prayers draw you closer to Him, not simply toward the things you’re asking for.

This week, let’s remember: God’s plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11), but they unfold best when we remain at the center of His will. Let our works flow out of love for Him, not as a way to twist His hand. He’s already given us the greatest gift: His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8). Everything else is simply an overflow of His love.

With thoughts of kindness,

ABBA’s Shofar