MARCH 30, 2016
PLAN YOUR GIVING
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:1 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye”
Many of us grew up with an understanding of giving that was flawed. We were taught that we had to give compulsorily to God so that God will bless us. We heard phrases like “you better tithe unless it will be tight for you”. Basically, we were taught to give by the compulsion seen in the Law of Moses. We were taught to tithe so that devourers will not devour our blessings.
However as the revelation of God’s grace and unconditional love came, we began to see that God does not give to us because we gave to Him. He has already given all things to us in Christ Jesus freely and without conditions. This has led many believers to become irresponsible when it came to giving. In trying to correct the ills of the fathers in the faith, they made their own error which was that it is not necessary to give in church. The epistles are full of instructions of giving in the house of God’
Let’s look at a few 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”.
In the above scripture, we see a New Testament pattern to giving. We are shown how (in terms of quantity) we should give and how in terms of intent. Paul says we should give bountifully and give purposefully. We are encouraged not to give out of compulsion; we are also encouraged not to give grudgingly but cheerfully. Paul clearly states in verse 8 that God is able to make all grace abound towards you ensuring that you will never lack. Now notice that Paul says that the degree to which you give is the degree to which you receive which shows us that there is a connection between giving and receiving. So dear believer, you previously gave according to the law out of compulsion, now give out of a revelation that your giving is an act of honor and love to God. Give knowing that you are activating the principle; “He that gives, receives”
CONFESSION: I am a giver, a liberal giver; I support financially the work of God all over the world. I am a kingdom financier and a sponsor of the gospel of Christ. I have grace to give and I abound in the grace. Amen
Further Bible Reading: Genesis 25, Proverbs 11, Psalm 126
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