Motivational Gift: Giver

The Motivational Gift of the Giver is marked by a generous heart and an eagerness to share resources for the benefit of others. Givers are uniquely able to see needs and respond with joy, often going above and beyond to ensure others are supported. They view their resources as tools for advancing God’s kingdom and carefully manage their finances and time wisely.

Givers are deeply fulfilled when they see the impact of their generosity, though they must guard against attaching strings to their giving or seeking recognition. When used selflessly, this gift reflects God’s abundant provision and fosters a spirit of generosity and trust within the Body of Christ.

Correlated Symbols

  • Days of Creation: Day 5 – Life in Sea and Air

  • Tabernacle Furniture: Altar of Incense

  • Compound Name of God: Jehovah-Rohi – “The Lord is My Shepherd”

  • Letter to the Churches: Sardis

  • Last Saying on the Cross: “I am thirsty.”

Personality Snapshot

  • Core Motivation: To bless and resource others generously, reflecting God’s shepherd-like care.

  • Generosity and Resourcefulness: Givers often sense physical and spiritual needs and provide for them.

  • Creativity and Fruitfulness: Like Day 5, teeming with life, Givers cultivate growth and multiplication in various areas.

  • Intimacy with God: The Altar of Incense represents prayer and fellowship with the Lord—the Giver thrives in both.

  • Material Focus: Might overly trust in material solutions or, conversely, struggle with the fear of not having enough.

  • Control via Generosity: Using resources to influence situations or people.

  • Scriptural Echo: Jehovah-Rohi, the Good Shepherd, cares for every need—Givers mirror that care. Yet, the church at Sardis was warned to “wake up,” indicating the Giver’s need to remain spiritually alert, not just financially or physically prepared.

  • Practical Trait: Often invests time, money, skills, and energy into others without seeking recognition.

  • Life Application: Jesus’ “I am thirsty” underscores physical and spiritual thirst. Givers channel resources to quench those needs in the Body of Christ and beyond.

Biblical Examples

Abraham

  • Biblical Snapshot: Called by God to leave his homeland (Genesis 12–25). He became the father of many nations through faith in God’s promise.

  • How He Expressed the Gift: Abraham frequently opened his home, gave generously, and even interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. His generosity toward guests (Genesis 18) demonstrated a hospitable heart.

  • Lesson for Today: Authentic generosity comes from trusting God with your resources. Givers can bless others when they realize that everything they have ultimately comes from the Lord.

Jacob

  • Biblical Snapshot: Grandson of Abraham, Jacob’s life was marked by both conflict and blessing (Genesis 25–49). He wrestled with God and eventually became Israel, father of the twelve tribes.

  • How He Expressed the Gift: Despite early deceit, Jacob later grew into a man who blessed others (Genesis 49). He understood the blessing of inheritance and passed it on to his sons.

  • Lesson for Today: Your giving ability flows best when rooted in a transformed heart. Even if your past is messy, God can refine you to be a channel of blessing for others.

Job

  • Biblical Snapshot: A wealthy, righteous man tested by severe trials (Book of Job). He lost everything yet maintained his reverence for God.

  • How He Expressed the Gift: Before his trials, Job was known for his generosity toward the poor and needy (Job 29:12–16). His story shows true giving is about the heart, not just possessions.

  • Lesson for Today: Real generosity persists through ups and downs. Even if resources vanish, maintain a giving spirit, trusting that God can restore and use your heart to bless others.

Matthew

  • Biblical Snapshot: Former tax collector turned disciple of Jesus (Matthew 9). He hosted a dinner for Jesus so other tax collectors and sinners could meet Him.

  • How He Expressed the Gift: After following Jesus, Matthew immediately used his home and resources to connect people with the Lord. His giving heart opened a door for many to encounter Christ.

  • Lesson for Today: Your resources—home, finances, skills—can become a bridge for others to experience God’s love. Hospitality is often a powerful expression of generosity.

Historical Examples

  • Bill Gates (b. 1955): Co-founder of Microsoft turned philanthropist, investing billions in global health and education initiatives through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

  • Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919): A steel magnate who dedicated his wealth to creating libraries, schools, and universities, believing in giving people access to knowledge.

  • MacKenzie Scott (b. 1970): Writer and philanthropist, she has donated billions of dollars quickly and quietly to various non-profit organizations, focusing on transformative gifts.

Fictional Examples

  • Bruce Wayne (Batman): Uses his vast resources for high-tech crime-fighting and invests in Gotham’s infrastructure, charities, and community projects.

  • Tony Stark (Iron Man): Stark’s wealth funds humanitarian work, technological advancements (clean energy), and, of course, the Avengers Initiative.

  • Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory): Lavishly sharing his candy empire with golden ticket winners culminates in gifting the entire factory to a deserving child, reflecting a whimsical form of generosity.

For Employees

Key Traits

  • Generous and Resourceful: Eager to share time, knowledge, and networks for the team's benefit.

  • Connector Mentality: Skilled at building mutually beneficial relationships inside and outside the organizatio

  • Long-Term Relationship Focus: Nurtures goodwill and trust, seeing colleagues as people rather than mere coworkers.

  • Nurture Collaboration: Giver leaders strengthen team bonds by making introductions, sharing resources, and fostering synergy.

  • Model Altruism: Their willingness to invest in others sets an example, encouraging a pay-it-forward attitude across the company.

  • Strengthen Community Impact: Often spearheading or supporting charitable initiatives, Giver leaders highlight the firm’s social responsibility.

Development Plan for Leadership and Management

  • Be Transparent About Giving: Let the team know what resources or assistance are available. Transparency encourages others to approach you when they truly need help.

  • Strategize Resource Management: Balance generosity with fiscal or time constraints. Create guidelines so that support remains both impactful and sustainable.

  • Promote Reciprocity: Encourage a culture where people feel comfortable giving back—through mentoring, skill exchanges, or volunteering—so you’re not the sole source.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Unhealthy Sacrifice: Over-extension of resources can sap leadership energy or compromise the company’s bottom line.

  • Manipulative Generosity: Ensure your giving never carries hidden expectations of special favors or loyalty.

For Entrepreneurs and Companies

Key Traits

  • Generosity and Philanthropy: They often set aside portions of profits or resources for social causes.

  • Resourceful and Abundance Mindset: Sees opportunities to multiply impact through charitable partnerships or creative expansions.

  • Employee and Community Investment: Giver-led companies frequently invest heavily in employee wellbeing, local communities, or sustainability efforts.

Entrepreneurial Development Plan

Define Your Giving Model

  • Determine what social or humanitarian cause aligns with your brand. Make giving a structured, consistent practice (e.g., a percentage of profits or in-kind donations).

  • Communicate this clearly so customers understand their purchase contributes to something bigger.

Elevate Transparency

  • Show where funds or resources go. Giver companies earn trust by openly sharing impact reports or stories of beneficiaries.

  • This transparency also helps employees stay inspired by the company's mission.

Create Win-Win Partnerships

  • Collaborate with nonprofits or social enterprises that align with your industry.

  • Seek ways to amplify each other’s reach—co-branded campaigns can multiply your positive impact.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • “Savior” Complex: Avoid paternalistic attitudes in charitable efforts. Aim for partnerships that respect recipients’ dignity.

  • Financial Instability: Generosity should be balanced with sustainability. Over-giving without sound margins can jeopardize the core business.

Purchase the Application Manual to Learn:

  • How the Giver gift relates to the other gifts.

  • Personal development reflections.

  • How to pray for Giver individuals.

  • How the Giver relates to God, the Father.