This can help us learn the right way to look at our finances. “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” #5 Be content with the basics, give away the rest This was, not surprisingly, because the culture He lived in was so preoccupied with giving only when it looked good to others, or when the gift was large enough to be worthy of recognition. Jesus talked more about money than He did about any other topic during His recorded ministry. She gave a greater proportion of her income than the rich Pharisees, and her gift was considered acceptable to the Son of God. ![]() Jesus recognized that the woman’s gift, though small in amount, was great in faith. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” And He said, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. #4 The heart of the giver can matter more than the size of the gift This is the truest form of worship, and giving of our time and energies is equally as beneficial to those around us as writing a check. Because Christ’s sacrifice on the cross saved us and brought us back into a right relationship with God, we should be overjoyed to return our lives to His service. We are to give our very bodies and lives in worship to God. Giving is not limited to our money or our possessions. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” #3 Our giving is to be considered a worthy sacrifice to God It may not translate directly into dollar signs, but our blessing for faithful obedience to God will always be greater than we could ask or imagine. However, Jesus does say that our giving to others will be answered with God’s abundant provision. ![]() This statement of Jesus is not an endorsement of the prosperity gospel, which teaches that doing good for others will automatically result in tangible blessings from God. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. #2 We should give expecting God to provide ![]() ![]() There are biblical precedents and legitimate arguments for structured giving (like tithing), but at its core, our giving should come from a joyful heart that recognizes God as the One Who first gave us so much. In the New Testament, the church was instructed to give with that same joy. However, the reasons for giving were not arbitrary: the Israelites were commanded to give out of gratitude for God’s provision. There are numerous places in Scripture where giving is commanded, and generous giving was actually written into the early law of the Hebrews. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Here are 10 biblical reasons we should give with full and joyful hearts. Giving should be cause for joy for all believers, but many people become defensive or give excuses when asked to give or avoid the subject altogether.
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