Willing To Give

ByJim Stephens

Reading:  Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

1 God spoke to Moses: 2 “Tell the Israelites that they are to set aside offerings for me. Receive the offerings from everyone who is willing to give.” (Exodus 25:1-2 MSG)

I’m thinking this morning that our giving is to originate in our hearts as willing worshipers, and that it is never to be motivated by guilt, by manipulation, or by superstition.  Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Both giving and receiving are blessed, but willing and worshipful giving is most blessed of all.

Friends, giving is too important not to explore it scripturally, think about it seriously, and form substantial faith-convictions about it.  Here are some thoughts:

  • I believe in the discipline of systematic giving.  I’m not sensitive enough to the Spirit to rely entirely on “promptings” as the basis for giving.
  • I believe in giving joyfully out of the overflow of a thankful heart in times of blessing and abundance.
  • I believe in being “moved with compassion,” as Jesus often was, and giving to a need or a person in need.
  • I believe in the principle of sowing and reaping taught by Jesus and Paul.  I don’t believe in the manipulation that says, in effect, “Sow a seed to feed your greed!”
  • I believe that there are times when Spirit-prompted giving is simply a sacrifice of letting go, and that its real value is measured by what it costs me; not by what I expect to get from it, either in “harvest” or in satisfaction.
  • I believe that the economy of the Kingdom of God is based on giving – not getting,  on sharing – not hoarding, and on producing – not merely consuming.
  • I believe that the way each person gives should be Spirit-directed, based on personal conviction developed from honest consideration of the message of Scripture, and be an act of obedient faith, flowing from a willing heart.

Have you developed Bible-based, deeply-held convictions about giving that combine the discipline of systematic giving and the spontaneity of Spirit-promptings?

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for the privilege of giving.  I’m thankful for all the times I have been blessed by the giving of others – I’ve been on the receiving end so many times!  But I also have the privilege of being a willing giver and I thank you for the blessing of giving.  Amen.