The human heart, and consequently the human life (because essence precedes existence - that is, who you are precedes what you do), without God, is like one huge vacuum cleaner. It is constantly taking in anything that happens to come within its reach. Vacuum cleaners, in a very practical way, are the most selfish machines around. All they do while they're on is take, take, and take some more.
If the analogy is accurate, then we must understand that those who are not filled with God cannot give anything rightly. Even if they do physically give of themselves or their possessions, we understand that this is really a form of spiritual selfishness. Giving is just a means of getting - that is, they are giving without the proper motivation.
On the other hand, the heart that is filled with God through faith in Jesus Christ, ceases to be a vacuum and is transformed into a blower. It exists to generously and constantly distribute to others. Because the Lord, by His Spirit, is ever-giving and overflowing, He causes His people to be givers and not takers. The riches that He provides them are freely given to all who come in contact with them.
Note: I understand that the analogy can break down if we consider that a blower actually pushes things away! But, forget about that for now and just follow along :)
Those who are filled with God have no need to take from others. The Creator of the universe is now intimately living inside of them by His Spirit. He provides all that they need. Now the believer may spend his/her time and possessions focused on others. This empowered existence is far from selfishness and is rightly characterized by love. Their giving is not only commanded (providing the right standard), but is also done with the right purpose (unto the glory of God) and with the right motive (love for others instead of self).
This could possibly be the worst analogy that I have come up with, but it gets the point across. Hopefully vacuuming your house will never be the same!
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