God delights in cheerful and happy giving. It delights Him to see His people gladly opening their hearts and hands to provide for the needs of His Church and indeed of all His creatures.
Giving in a right spirit is an act of worship. It is rendering Him a tribute of praise. It is saying. “You gave me everything and here is a small expression of my gratitude and praise for all your good gifts. It’s only a token, a sample of what I really feel, but you know the heart that lies behind it. David says “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” (Psalms 116:12).
1 Corinthians 16: 1 – 2 [KJV] – Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
There are few principles to note in the scriptures above. Firstly, There is a purpose for giving, i.e “the collection for (concerning) the saints”. Secondly, Giving is personal: “let each one of you…” and thirdly, Giving is based on how God has prospered you: “storing up as he may prosper”, CSB version says with how he is prospering; i.e giving in proportion to your posperity.
Jesus said to His disciples, “when you give” not “if you give” (Matthew 6:2)! Hence, giving is not optional, but rather essential. When we give, we are not simply adding to the Church budget, we are giving up a thank offering to the Father Himself. Thus, we must all give “as unto the Lord.” Our ultimate goal in giving is to please and honour Him with our lives and everything we’ve got.
DECLARATION
I am a giver, I am big giver and a cheerful giver. I have always and I give always. I am blessed to be a blessing; and I am rich to enrich the work of God and to bless the lives of many around me. Glory to God!
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Proverbs 3: 9 – 10; 2 Corinthians 9: 8
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