WEDNESDAY February 2, 2022
The Test of Obedient Giving
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”
Malachi 3:10
Paul rejoiced with the Philippians; they fellowshipped with him. He thanked them for their financial help. Although not having much, we see their generosity in giving to Paul anyway. This was an act of sacrificial giving.
When believers give to God, the church receives the offering––it never takes. We all have a duty to give to God. In the Old Testament, God’s people gave 10% as a tithe. Today, we give to God sacrificially; it is an offering which costs us something to give to Him. Some wealthy people give out of their abundance––they can afford it; but when a person cannot afford it, and they still give, that becomes sacrificial giving.
There are biblical principles to giving. Jesus instructed us to give without letting other people know how much we give. An offering is to be kept secret between yourself and God (Matthew 6:1-4). We should give according to our ability (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). When we give an offering, it should be given cheerfully and hilariously (2 Corinthians 9:7). It is a token of our love and worship. Giving is a time of joy, not a time of giving grudgingly. Otherwise, it is best to keep it––go to In-N-Out Burger! God does not need it!
God’s people need to be obedient in their giving. Give proportionally as God blesses. God uses giving as a test of our obedience. As your giving is proved by God, He will open up the windows of heaven and pour out such blessings––often spiritual blessings. Has God spoken to you personally about giving? Give to God what belongs to God and be blessed.
Unless we feel it is an honour and a joy to give, God does not accept the offering.
~Charles Hodge~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
