by Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

I gifted over twenty books to friends, family, and contest winners. Sales and reviews trickled in, and my discouragement overflowed.

“I’m not giving away any more books.” I said to a friend.

The Holy Spirit’s conviction buckled my knees.

I’m a giver—most of the time. My husband smiles when someone compliments my clothes, jewelry, or handbag.

“Be careful, she’s apt to give it to you. She’s done it in the past.”

So why the selfishness with my writing?

As authors, we work hard on our masterpieces. So, should we give our writing away?

As a writing coach, I empathize with my clients as they struggle with this concept.  My reply, “Building platform is a huge reason to write for free.”

I encourage my Christian clients to pray for discernment, because we know a workman is worthy of their wages,. Also, most authors don’t make it rich writing.

What did my conviction teach me? God will continue to uproots my sin of selfishness as he teachs me the reasons to G.I.V.E.

G Glorifies God

I Ignites more giving

V Victory over selfishness

E Expands our reach

Glorifies God

The Westminster catechism educated laymen in theology and beliefs by asking questions. One of these doctrinal inquiries, What is the chief end of man? The recited answer by the congregation.

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

Scripture contains many verses about glorifying God.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)

My writing belongs to God because He gave me the insight and strength to create. When the Spirit prompts me to give, I must be obedient. My clenched fist releases and the gift blesses others, and God is glorified.

Ignites more giving

I feel consumed with angst when I know God wants me to give and I hesitate to obey.

“But God, I need the money to pay bills.” I remind Him.

The Spirit fights my flesh and throws me into a tizzy, until I give.

Try keeping your fist clenched? It hurts after a while. Now, hold your hand, palm up. Relaxing, huh? Giving frees us. My spirit is revived when I give, and I desire to give more.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV)

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

V Victory over selfishness

Setbacks are a stepping stone to victory if we learn from the difficult experience.  I’ve wallowed in self-pity after sinning against God. I felt defeated and unloved due to my blatant disobedience.

Have you experienced this?

Let’s adopt the attitude of the apostle Paul and remember the mercy and power God gives us to have victory over sin.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

E Expands our reach

Yes, God wants us to succeed and reach others with the message He instilled in our soul.

When we gift our work, the recipient is blessed. Ask them to prayerfully write a review and recommend the book or article. God’s word promises:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (KJV)

“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Proverbs 18:16 (NIV)

Since it’s the season of giving, will you join me in asking God where He might want us to gift our writing?

Have you been blessed by giving away your book or writing?

Join the conversation.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer, coach, editor, and speaker. As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest. Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. Her work in progress, Accidental Findings, won the first 10 pages award with, When Words Count Retreat. You can find her published in Blue Ridge Writers Blog, Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh, and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to award-winning, Get to the Margins-Author Anthology; Breaking the Chains; Heart Reno, Kiss Guilt Goodbye; and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books. Her latest book, Shine Don’t Whine, released October 2020. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 22 years. Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats. You will often find her on the beach sea glass hunting.