I Want To Versus I Have To
What is the difference between doing things out of desire ("I want to") versus obligation ("I have to")? Years ago, a church member was struggling financially. I saw that her son needed new shoes, so I helped to buy him a new pair. I didn’t think about being repaid or even the cost; I just wanted to bless him. This made such a lasting impact that years later, he still recalls this act as genuine kindness. Scripture teaches that blessing others is both a command and reflection of God's nature, as seen in Genesis 12:2 and Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. For this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
A ‘want-to-give’ comes from a I-want-to-bless-you genuine desire from the heart to do good for someone else, expecting nothing in return. The reward is the fulfillment it brings to the soul along life's journey, and the joy of experiencing God’s Heart.
A ‘have-to-give’ comes from a really-don’t-want-to spirit, expecting something in return. There is no joy in it as it lacks fulfillment and can even lead to bitterness and resentment. (I must point out here, please don’t mistake this with obligations that need to be met such as bills and family; there’s no escaping those responsibilities. That’s LIFE.)
Biblical teachings encourage kindness and charity. The importance of giving from the heart and finding joy in helping others, rather than seeking repayment or acting out of duty, is emphasized. My desire to be a blessing to others without looking for pay back has always resulted in God blessing me abundantly with His joy and enriching heart. I encourage you to live a life aligned with God's principles, embracing, not only the necessary have-to responsibilities, but also the joyful acts of want-to blessings to others.
A ‘want-to-give’ comes from a I-want-to-bless-you genuine desire from the heart to do good for someone else, expecting nothing in return. The reward is the fulfillment it brings to the soul along life's journey, and the joy of experiencing God’s Heart.
A ‘have-to-give’ comes from a really-don’t-want-to spirit, expecting something in return. There is no joy in it as it lacks fulfillment and can even lead to bitterness and resentment. (I must point out here, please don’t mistake this with obligations that need to be met such as bills and family; there’s no escaping those responsibilities. That’s LIFE.)
Biblical teachings encourage kindness and charity. The importance of giving from the heart and finding joy in helping others, rather than seeking repayment or acting out of duty, is emphasized. My desire to be a blessing to others without looking for pay back has always resulted in God blessing me abundantly with His joy and enriching heart. I encourage you to live a life aligned with God's principles, embracing, not only the necessary have-to responsibilities, but also the joyful acts of want-to blessings to others.