There is clear evidence from the scriptures that the size of a giver’s pocket, purse or barn is not that important when it comes to fulfilling God’s command that we bring our presents to His house. Rather, what matters is the size of the heart from which it is given. The quality of the intent. The size of the heart. We are to give cheerfully, out of love.
We must be motivated by the need to get things done for the Lord on the earth. And no one should be compelled or cornered into doing it. God loves and appreciates when we are inspired to bless.
I hope we know that we cannot truly give to God Himself, but for Him. Here are three ways in which we can give “for” God.
The first is by giving to those who represent Him in our lives. We can use our blessings to appreciate and honour them. Genuine servants of God are usually troubled and tried greatly and our tokens can mean a lot, not just for the material value of what we give but also for how they communicate our admiration and appreciation for their service in the Lord’s name.
The second way we can give for God is by supporting the business of preaching and advancing the cause of the gospel. This also takes full commitment, and not just a measure of it. Over the years of Christian work I found again and again that nothing stands in the way of a group of believers who are fully invested, and with one purpose decide to take on a task or mission in the Lord’s service. The finances required may be out of their reach, but once the matter is settled as God’s will and in God’s timing, the goal must surely be accomplished. I have seen this on numerous occasions and I have no doubt whatsoever that it is always the case.
The spirit of defeat or incapacitation may instead overwhelm them because a number of those the task is resting upon are half-hearted and noncommittal. You don’t need anyone with a deep pocket, only those deeply committed and involved with all their minds and prayer.
The third way we can give God is by giving to the poor and the vulnerable. In the book of Proverbs, the Bible says “he who gives to the poor lends to the Lord”. And as with other acts of giving, God can be trusted to bless the giver in return. Even the poor can tell the difference between the enthusiastic giver and one driven by necessity, without cheer. Rather than being blessed, , those at the receiving end may wind up feeling hurt and cast down.
It needs saying however that those we consider rich may fall under the category of the vulnerable! This is because no one knows the starvation of love like the financially secure. They are used to dealing with takers. And rarely do men give to them. Everyone is responsive and blessed when they are given out of a heart full of love and care.
We had an outreach many years back in which the main speaker was the Managing Director of a Bank. Normally we would give what we considered a prophet’s offering to anyone who came to bless us in our meetings. Now we were faced with a real problem, how to give to someone of his stature! I decided we would go ahead anyway. And I will never forget the expression of shock and surprise on his face when we offered him the lean envelope. He was almost moved to tears! He requested for his bag, brought out a large wad of new Naira notes, joined the envelope we just gave and lifted them high to heaven and prayed. Then requested for the fellowship”s offering bowl and emptied the lot into it.
Beloved, we are called to give in order to touch. And even God can be touched.
