Giving
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. “ ~ II Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Giving is God’s way. Giving has at its core a reciprocal, dual effect. Giving is God’s primary way of supporting ministry. In other words, when we hear the mandate in Malachi 3:10 to “bring our tithes,” it is so that there may be provision–whatever is needed to do ministry. However, the dual effect that is also reciprocal is in God’s promise that, if we give from our hearts, He will “open up the windows of heaven and pour you out such a blessing that you will not have room for it.” Giving is God’s way of providing blessings to both: the one who gives and the one who receives. All of us should join God’s giving plan and experience the abundance.
Why do we give?
Why We Give in addition to our Tithe, Time, Talent, Service, and Witness
“Therefore, I urge you, sisters and brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your reasonable act of worship.” ~ Romans 12:1 (NIV)
For the mature Christian, Christianity is a way of life. It is no longer a list of acts and activities which may or may not connect. Instead, it has become a lifestyle where everything not only connects, but also actually builds on and supports the other. Paul reminds us, to think of ALL that God did to SAVE US and he encourages a favorable and reasonable response: “I WILL LIVE FOR GOD!” Everything that we have, say and do should reflect our gratitude to God. Our daily walk should express a total commitment to Disciple Making. For the mature Christian, it’s not just what we do, but it is who we are. We all should strive for such maturity.
You Can’t Outgive God
If we give our all to God, what will we get in return? (Matthew 19:23-30)
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
25 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”
28 Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.
Like Peter and the disciples, you may not have much money to contribute; however, because of your faith, hope, and trust in God’s plan, you have given up everything to follow Jesus. When you consider giving $10 and receiving $1000—100 times as much–that is an extraordinary return. Oh, but when you give your life to Christ and follow Him, He provides everything you need and the gift of eternal life. What a wise, long-term investment!
In Acts 3:10, Peter and John encountered a lame man begging for money. Although, they didn’t have money to give him, they shared a greater miracle by the power of God. The man simply wanted something to eat; but, through the hearts of Peter and John, God blessed the man with something money couldn’t buy – his fully restored health.
God wants to use you. You cannot out give God. You can be the greatest now and then by surrendering to His will and His way. “With God everything is possible!”