Bible Reading: Psalm 107-108; Romans 15:22-33.
Memory Verse: “For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” Romans 15:26 (KJV).
Giving is parting with something valuable for the benefit of another. What you are parting with could be money, time, position, clothes, shelter or food among several others. It can also be your life as Jesus Christ our Lord laid down His life for us so that we may be saved.
Giving could be casual, intentional or sacrificial. You give casually when you part with something that may be useful to the other party but is not of any consequence to you. It can also be intentional when you are focused on giving with a view to ensuring it impacts positively the life of others. The people of Macedonia and Achaia made intentional contributions to relief others. Romans 15:26 (KJV), “For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” It could also be sacrificial such that it will deprive you of some significant pleasure such as the widow giving her all (Luke 21:2-4) and the Lord Jesus laid down his life for the whole world as stated in 1 John 3:16 (KJV), “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Giving is commanded by God and it is for the good of all parties. When you give, you relieve others the burden of lack! In addition, you also become blessed. Luke 6:38 (KJV) says, “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.”
It is important to note that the underlying principle for giving is love. Remember that God gave His only son, Jesus Christ out of love and the Saviour summarized the ten commandments as Love for God, self and neighbour ( Matthew 22:37-39). If you give out of love, then it shall be cheerfully and not grudgingly and also willingly and not out of necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7). The ultimate gift is yourself. You need to surrender your being to the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Saviour by confessing your sins, repent of them, decide never to go back to them again and accept Jesus as your Saviour. Thereafter live a life of love for all and you will be amazed at the Joy of the Lord that will permeate your heart.
Prayer Point: Father, I surrender my life to You. Please instruct and teach me the way I should go and guide me with Your eyes continually in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero