Topic: Make Giving A Lifestyle (Part 2)
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-3; 2 Corinthians 9
Memory verse: “Every man according as he has purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
The beautiful thing about giving as encouraged by the scriptures is that you must give from what you have, not out of what you don’t have. So it must be done with an open heart for God Himself blessed you with what you are giving in the first place. He looks at the heart; anything not done from a pure heart is not acceptable unto Him. Jeremiah 17:10 (KJV), “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
You can give either generously or sparingly but note that God will reward you accordingly as you do it from the heart. Remember the poor widow that gave her widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus commended her givings more than those that gave out of their abundance. She actually gave out of her poverty, just like the Macedonian church. The sacrificial heart behind her giving was what made Jesus pick her out and used her as an example till this day.
Today’s memory verse puts it well, “Every man according as he purposeth his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or out of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV). Let your givings come from your heart. Remember that giving is a spiritual transaction that God Himself does not overlook. Whether you are giving to the poor, or to advance His kingdom on earth, please do it with the right motives. Only then can blessings come from such.
The motives of your givings must be pure for God weighs the motive behind every actions we take (1 Samuel 2:3). Remember Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10).
Prayer: Father, engrace me to always give as directed by your Spirit and may I never withhold that meant to be given in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu