When Giving is Wrong

[265 words] Ribbons and wrapping paper, shimmering Christmas trees, and children with sparkling eyes are the hallmarks of the “season of giving.” So many of us enjoy the holiday as a time of expressing love through the imparting of gifts. But did you ever consider when giving may be wrong? Our heavenly Father is certainly a giver of good gifts (James 1:17). In fact, Jesus says if we ask, we will receive (Matt. 7:7-11) because our Father is good! So we definitely want to imitate Him in our willingness to give.  However, the Bible also shows us there are some things God will not give us, even if we ask. For instance, if we ask something of God out of selfishness (James 4:3), or ask for something against His will (1 John 5:14), we cannot expect to receive the subject of our request. This is because God is not going…