“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
Our God is an all-knowing God. He sees and knows our hearts. He discerns the motives behind our actions. Therefore, we ought to check our motives to make sure they remain pure and after God’s heart, especially in our giving culture.
Why do you give to the church? To be seen? To fulfil all righteousness? To get your gift back seven-fold? Or to wholeheartedly pursue and sponsor the spread of the gospel? Examine your heart today.
The Pharisee in Luke 18 boasted to God in prayer about his spiritual accomplishments yet He went home unjustified. It is possible to tithe and give to God’s work and not be in the will of God for our lives. This is why we should check our motives. Our giving must be for the right reasons.
Jesus warns about this sternly in the Gospel of Matthew:
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 NLT
As believers, everything we do should be borne out of our love for God and His cause. Therefore, our giving to the church should be from a place of love and devotion to Him. Apostle Paul gives us an analogy in one of his epistles to the churches.
“If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT
Dear believer, let love lead your giving. Give with the right motive and let your heart reflect in your actions. Be a cheerful giver!
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 6:27-36, Philippians 3:15-21, Psalms 119:169-176, 2 Kings 18-19