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Psalm 50:14-15,23; 2Corinthians 8:1-5; Mark 12:41-44
Introduction
The act of giving is deeply rooted in many religious and spiritual traditions, and it is often emphasized as a way to express gratitude and love toward others. In the Christian faith, we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "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." This verse highlights that the attitude of the giver is just as important as the act itself. When we give with a joyful and generous heart, we are participating in God's divine plan.
Givers Mirror God
One of the most beautiful aspects of giving is that it not only benefits the recipient but also transforms the giver. When we give, we mirror the generosity of God, who gave His only Son for our salvation. This selfless act of giving enriches our spiritual lives and connects us to the divine source of all blessings.
Giving is not limited to material possessions. We can give our time, love, compassion, and forgiveness. In doing so, we spread God's love throughout the world. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we give to those in need, we are giving to God Himself.
Moreover, giving fosters a sense of community and unity. It strengthens our relationships with one another and with God. The sense of fulfillment and purpose we experience when we give is a clear sign of God's blessings in our lives.
Giving that Magnetises God's Blessings
1. Giving with a Grateful Heart
The Psalmist in Psalm 50 reminds us of the importance of offering our thanksgiving to God. "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving," he says. Giving should originate from a heart filled with gratitude for the blessings we've received. When we give thanks, we open ourselves to God's grace.
Giving actually connects our prayers to the Father. After giving with a thankful heart, He says, "And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalms 50:15.
Add giving to your many prayers and glorify God later.
2. The Sacrificial Giving
Paul's message to the Corinthians illustrates the beauty of sacrificial giving. The Macedonian Christians, despite their own poverty, gave generously to support others. It's a powerful reminder that true giving goes beyond material wealth. The blessing in giving sacrificially is that we become channels of God's love and grace in the lives of others.
In Christian giving, the giver first gives him/herself first before any other thing. "They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us" 2 Corinthians 8:5
Put God in front, in front of everything by giving yourself totally to Him. Be a Christian before God before you give any other thing. Your being is more important than your doing.
3. The Widow's Mite
In Mark 12, we witness the touching story of the widow who gave her last two small coins to the temple treasury. Jesus commends her, not for the quantity but for the sacrificial spirit behind her gift. It's a lesson that our giving is not measured by the size of our gifts, but by the heart with which we give. God blesses those who give from their need, not their surplus.
I have heard many people give and say, "This is my widow's mite". Beloved, a widow's mite is about giving off your 100%, everything!. "She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:44.
Your ultimate widow's mite Christ seeks is your soul. Surrender unto Him your soul and be saved.
Conclusion
In the spirit of these passages, we understand that giving is a spiritual act that connects us with God's abundant blessings. It is about having a heart of gratitude, a willingness to sacrifice, and a spirit of selflessness. The blessings of God in giving extend far beyond the material. They bring joy, fulfillment, and an enriched sense of purpose. Therefore, give yourself totally to Jesus Christ today.
Let us remember that God's blessings in giving are not just for the recipient but also for the giver. As we give, we sow seeds of love, compassion, and grace, and in return, we receive the blessings of a heart that reflects the very nature of God. So, let us be generous, sacrificial, and grateful givers, knowing that the blessings of God in giving are immeasurable. Amen.
Shalom aleichem...
