Giver
You are a giver. All the motivational orientations are important, but this one is often less prominent or visible than some of the others. Since you have this orientation, that’s usually fine with you, but it can be a challenge sometimes because you may get less recognition from people than you deserve.
Introduction
These orientations are based on the gifts listed by Paul in Romans 12:6-8, in which he says that each member of the body of Christ has a gift, each gift is important and the gift is given to serve the rest. The emphasis here is on serving the body, and Paul says to exercise our gift according to the grace given to us. It’s the style in which you act.
“⁶ Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; ⁷ if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸ or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8 (NASB)
This orientation is based on the gift of giving spoken of in Rom 12:8.
Definition
The word “giver” is translated from the Greek word metadidomi from the root words meta “with” and didomi “give,” “bestow,” “grant,” , and is defined as “to give or share a thing with any one.” The preposition meta which is attached to the root word intensifies the idea as to share “with.”
The word is also translated here as “sharing,” and “contributing to the needs of others.” The KJV reads “he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity.” The NLT reads “he who gives, with liberality.” The Message says “if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond.” Elsewhere the verb is translated “impart;” “he that imparts of his substance.”
In this verse, the word has to do with “spontaneous private benevolence, as opposed to the gift of serving, which is about public distribution of aid by the church to the needy.” Paul says the giver should give with simplicity. “…that is, with singleness of heart, free of mixed motives, without regret (over having given so much).” (Expositors Bible Commentary) And do it with grace! (verse 6)
Being one of the “hands” and “feet” of the body, givers are doers and action people. The basic motivation for giving is to supply tangible needs, to share, to impart. It is sharing with others, spending out of one’s life for others. The real motivation behind it is not just giving, but also the actual support of others. In fact, it might even be called the gift of support.
Characteristics of Giving in the Life of Matthew
1. A keen ability to discern wise investments in order to have more money available to give away. Matthew included more counsel on the wise use of money than any other of the Gospel writers, (Matthew 6:19 - 20; 25:14 - 30).
2. A desire to give quietly without public notice. Matthew is the only Gospel writer who emphasizes the need to give secretly so that God could reward the person openly, (Matthew 6:1 - 4).
3. A motivation to give as unto the Lord at His promptings, not at man’s appeal. Matthew notes that when we give to the needs of fellow Christians that God reveals, we give to Christ, (Matthew 25:34 - 36).
4. A desire to give gifts which are of high quality. Matthew records in great detail the costly gifts given to Jesus: gold, frankincense, myrrh, precious ointment, new sepulcher, (Matthew 2:11; 26:6 - 13; 27:57 - 60).
5. An ability to test faithfulness and wisdom by how people handle funds. Matthew reveals the foolishness and rebellion of those who misused what they were given, (Matthew 21:33 - 34; 25:14 - 30).
6. A tendency to practice frugality and an ability to be content with the basic necessities of life. Matthew had wealth and wealthy friends, yet he left all to follow Jesus, (Luke 5:27 - 32).
7. An alertness to see what other people do with their money. Matthew is the only Gospel writer to explain what the religious leaders did with Judas’ thirty pieces of silver and also how they paid the soldiers to lie, (Matthew 27:3 - 8; 28:11 - 15).
8. An ability to see financial needs which others tend to overlook. Matthew records Christ’s condemnation of the Pharisees for not supporting their aged parents, (Matthew 15:3 - 7). He also details the fairness of paying all the laborers the same wage, (Matthew 20:1 - 16).
9. A desire to use giving as a way to motivate others to give. Matthew was a tax collector. His job was to motivate people to give, (Luke 5:29). His is the only Gospel to record Christ’s condemnation of the man who was forgiven much but refused to forgive another who owed little, (Matthew 18:23 - 35).
Challenges with the Gift of Giving
People with this gift may experience the following:
Giving too sparingly to one’s own family.
1. Causing family to resent gifts to others.
2. Listening to unscriptural counsel on money management.
3. Putting pressure on people who have less to give.
4. Failing to discern God’s promptings for a gift.
5. Judging those who misuse funds rather than advising them.
6. Controlling people or ministries by gifts.
7. Corrupting people by giving too much.
8. Investing in projects, which do not benefit the lives of others.