Today we will be looking at giving in different angle through God’s word,. First of all i start with:
THE NEED TO GIVE
Exodus 35:4-5,10-29 And Moses spake unto ALL the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, take ye FROM AMONG YOU an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD.
The call to give towards the building went to ALL. Giving is for all believers and not for some “privileged” people in church.
Giving for the work of God should come ONLY from among believers. We don’t take donations or offering from unbelievers for God’s work.
TWO CATEGORIES OF THINGS TO CONTRIBUTE WAS SPECIFIED;
(1) skill/service/time
(2) materials. Everyone can contribute one or both of these things depending on what is required.
THE HOW TO GIVE
Giving was to be free willed, it is not by force though all were encouraged to give.
Determine to give something having in mind that God rewards what we give cheerfully (service or materials) 2 Co 9:78
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
THE OUTCOME OF GIVING
Exo 36:5-7 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much
This is where we want to be as a fellowship. If everyone contributes as God has prospered him/her, there will be enough to complete the work that God has instructed them to do. God will breathe on what we provide.
THE REWARD OF GIVING
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (2Corinth 9:6)
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.(Luke 6:38)
WHAT TO NOTE WHEN GIVING IS MENTION
It is my opinion that nothing is too little but not giving at all is bad. We can grow in the act of giving. Do not say “I have too little to give” or “My small contribution will not mean anything compared to what is required”. The man with one talent thought it was too small an investment to yield any profit. but he was wrong.
Though giving is not limited to “special” occasions, our conferences or church donation although we can start from there as an individual and trust God for growth.
Let always determine to give something to God’s work without waiting to be cajoled or mount pressure. May the Lord burden our hearts as His children to give willingly in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
