A GIVING HEART

                                                       Romans 11:33-36; 12:1-2

Giving is a controversial but very important subject matter in the Christendom. Though it has been bastardized in the church, it still remains an important concept and has proven to be one of the keys to provoking God's blessings upon His people. By developing the right perception towards giving, we can tap into God’s resources and enjoy His ever-abundant supplies for our life and ministry.

Understanding Kingdom perspectives to giving

1. Giving starts with God

God is the Giver of all. Every good and perfect gift proceeds from Him (James 1:17). The Bible says ‘No man can receive a thing unless it is given to him from heaven’ (John 3:27). Even the greatest givers amongst men received what they gave from God.

2. Our giving must be entrenched in love (a more excellent way). Abel gave a more excellent gift than that of Cain. He cultivated a lifestyle of love for God, proved it by his giving. This provoked a testimony that he was faithful before God and it was accounted unto him as righteousness (Heb. 11:4; Gen. 4:4).

3. Giving must proceed from the heart. It's not a function of the substance or gift you offer, it's a function of your heart. Is your heart right towards God? While men look at the hand and probably the status of the giver (as well as the size of the gift), God examines critically, the heart of the giver (Psalm 24:3-6; Luke 16:15). 

What is the motive behind the giving? Many folks give to seek men's approval. Jesus said such people already have their reward (Matt. 6:1-4). 

4. It is more blessed to give than to receive... (Acts 20:35).

Giving according to the will of God

 

1. Present your body as a living sacrifice... Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:5-7; Psalm 40:6-8. In other words, giving must be done in absolute obedience to the will of God. The Macedonian churches were used as examples (2 Cor. 8:1-5).

2. He gives seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. Become a seed sower! Sow your God-given seed in faith (2 Cor. 9:10).

3. No matter how ‘poor’ you think you are, you will always have something to give. God has placed something in your custody, which should culminate into a blessing to humanity. 

Start with the little resources you have, as you begin to pour out yourself into the vessels that God has placed around you (human vessels), value will naturally flow towards you. As long as there are vessels to be filled, the flow of oil will never cease... The moment you stop being a channel of blessing, the supply of oil will cease (2 Kings 4:1-7).

4. Give to honour God (Prov. 3:9).

5. Give liberally and cheerfully (Prov. 11:24-25; 2 Cor. 9:6).

6. Give to the poor and needy (Prov. 19:17; 28:27).

PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA
RESIDENT PASTOR

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