A pastor in the countryside had a visitor in his congregation who suffered from severe stinginess, and who believed that constant giving would drive people out of the congregation. To address this attitude, the pastor gave him a balance sheet. On one side was what God had given him for his farming – rain, sunshine, wind, dew, and other things. On the other side was what the man had given for the church treasury and mission.
Maybe you should think about what you owe God. What would He charge for your healthy body, talents, and abilities? What value do you place on God’s gifts like sleep, appetite, food, clothing, and a home? And how much does the precious Word of God, the forgiveness of your sins, and the peace of your soul mean to you?
Yes, God is the giver of all good gifts. He created the sun, moon, and stars and placed them in the sky to shine on the Earth. The animals were created for man’s benefit, and the Earth gives its fruits and treasures. In all this, the character of the Creator is reflected. God Himself is the most generous giver.
Can we not say that human beings were also created to give to others? As the greatest creature, made in the image of the Creator, we are designed to give, and find our greatest joy in imitating our Creator in this realm.
God gave His best, His only begotten Son, because He recognized our great need. And Jesus gave by laying down His life for us. Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). One of the most important teachings He gave His disciples was to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and not to worry so much about food, drink, and clothing. He encouraged His disciples to give and even asked them to sell their possessions and give to the poor (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33).
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, much was given, and there was a time of refreshing in God’s presence. The believers sold their possessions and shared them with all who needed something (Acts 2:45), “and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). Here we see how grace and giving go hand in hand. Through grace, believers could see great needs and respond with great generosity.
It is obvious that the law of giving is also the law of grace. If we want to be blessed with all spiritual blessings through Christ, we must give.
God asks workers to give a portion of their earnings. Many do not give a set amount. When there is a need or when the offering plate is passed around, they give some money. Some are selfish, unconcerned, or do not know how to give better. However, there are also brothers and sisters who fully understand the importance of giving, and give not only their share, but far more. Who will receive the blessing? “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:25).
Some may say that they cannot give anything because they are too poor. But even the poor should contribute. Often, however, those who are most difficult to convince of the message of giving are the rich. Many are looking for salvation for their souls but not for their wallets. I have found most generous givers among the “middle class.”
I am not saying this to condemn anyone. Some people have not received light about this yet. But the light has come, and it is time to proclaim it. It is in agreement with the Bible, and a sincere soul will accept it. I knew a man whose giving was random and haphazard until he realized the principle of systematic giving Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Since then, he has set aside a certain amount for God every week. He has been giving in this way for years and confirms that giving a fixed amount of his income makes him more satisfied. The Bible says: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The day will come – it is not far off – when we will all stand before God’s presence. Only our “treasures in heaven” in the heavenly bank will be of use. This earth and everything left behind here, all our earthly possessions, will pass away. Some want to be rich on that day. Are you one of them? Some will never enter the eternal city because a golden wall will be blocking their way, namely all the money they have withheld from the Lord’s work.
God gives us all our money. Should we refuse to share it with Him?
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