In its purest form, giving involves offering to someone else something that’s valuable to us. The world has tainted the act of giving by mixing it with ulterior motives focused on what we can get in return. Under the Law of Moses, the people gave their offerings out of fear of punishment, and to earn God’s blessings. By comparison, the Gospel of Grace teaches us to give out of gratitude and thanksgiving, in order to bless others.
God is our source; when we give cheerfully, we express our trust in His promise to abundantly provide for us. A willing heart has no thoughts of, “What’s in it for me?” Giving is our response to the sacrifice God made for us when He gave us His only Son, who meant so much to Him. Financial giving isn’t about money; rather it’s an expression of our trust in all that Jesus did for us.
Because we’re under grace, we don’t have to fear that giving money will cause insufficiency or lack. God doesn’t require us to give what we don’t have, only what He has blessed us with. Proportional giving as preached by the apostle Paul teaches us that the amount given is less important than giving out of trust. This was demonstrated by the poor woman who tossed her small coin into the treasury and pleased Jesus greatly.
God is a God of extravagant favors, and He wants us to share His favor with others. We’ve been empowered to help others in need through our giving. We have His Word that generous giving will bless not only the receiver, but also the giver.
Prayer:
Lord, we can trust in You, and not in money, to take care of all our needs. We’re grateful for the opportunity to give financially without fear. Thank you for sending us your Son to show us how important giving is. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 15:10
Proverbs 10:22
John 3:16
2 Corinthians 9:7, 10
2 Corinthians 8:12
Mark 12:41-44
Proverbs 11:24, 25
For more on how giving leads to breakthrough in every area of our lives, including in our finances, click on the link below for the four-DVD series, Answers to Spiritual and Financial Success—Volume 2.