“And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ So he said to him, ‘Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God’.” — Acts 10:4 (NKJV)
Memorials are powerful tributes, celebrating the lives and legacies of those who have made a lasting impact. Similarly, our acts of giving can stand as memorials before God, capturing His attention and expressing our deepest devotion and gratitude.
In Acts 10, the Bible recounts how an angel appeared to Cornelius, a Gentile known for his steadfast prayers and generous giving toward those in need. The angel told him, “Your prayers and alms have come up for a memorial before God,” demonstrating that Cornelius’ generosity rose to God like a tribute. Though Cornelius was outside the Jewish covenant, God cherished his devotion, showing that sincere faith and generosity are not limited by background or status: “For you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
It is essential to understand that Cornelius’ gifts were not a means to earn God’s favour or achieve righteousness. The Scripture teaches that it is by grace, through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, that we are accepted by God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Cornelius’ giving was an expression of a heart transformed by grace, reflecting his love and gratitude toward God. His offerings were not transactional; they were the natural outpouring of a heart aligned with God’s purposes.
When we give to others, our actions reflect our love for God. Jesus taught us the dual commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). Cornelius’ gifts and generosity embodied these principles, fulfilling his love for God by caring for others. Just as Cornelius’ giving rose before God as a “memorial,” our generosity has significance before Him. Acts of giving act as living memorials, standing as testaments of our faith and devotion.
In conclusion, we cannot earn God’s favour through our deeds, but our giving serves as evidence of hearts touched by His grace. Our gifts to others are ultimately offerings to God Himself, like the memorial offerings in the Old Testament that rose as fragrant remembrances before the Lord.
Let us, therefore, give generously and wholeheartedly—not to earn God’s favour but in response to His grace—trusting that these acts of faith are a memorial pleasing to Him.
Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 12