The Gift of Giving: “Imparter”
“if it is giving, then give generously” Romans 12:7
In The Greek: Metadidomi: Strong’s Concordance uses the phrase “to impart” in defining this word. Most translations refer to this as the gift of “giving” which is assumed to mean financial. But the the Greek word implies this as so much more than simply giving money. This word is used in 1 Thess 2:8 in reference to giving of their own souls. It speaks of a giving of the very essence of who you are.
Imparters are peacemakers who give of the very essence of themselves. Imparters work to maintain peace in themselves and those around them. They are accepting, emotionally stable and serene. They are often found giving up their preferences and feelings. Imparters are patient, good- natured, and genuinely nice people. They tend to focus on the bright side of life. Imparters are optimistic and creative. They want everything to go smoothly. It’s not so much that they hate conflict as it is that they love peace. They tend toward minimizing themselves so as to not create upsetting situations. At their best, they are who you want to resolve conflict. They are amazing at reading a room and intuiting how people are responding to a situation. Imparters are great in positions like HR, Counseling, pastors, and can even be quite successful in politics.
Titus was a peace maker who served as a steady, calming presence in the early church. The name Titus means “honorable”, which is a perfect description for an Imparter He was sent into situations of strife and division to bring peaceful resolutions and harmony. In Crete, Titus was assigned the task of straightening out conflicts and appointing leaders. In Corinth he served as the interlocutor between Paul and the Christians who were angry at Paul’s gruff style. He was an insightful man who could handle problems with grace. He had the ability to see both sides without compromising truth. Titus brought the gift of unity and reconciliation to the early church. The very survival of the early Church depended on the peace and harmony that Titus gave.