As believers, our giving should be a natural response to the love we’ve received from God. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that giving is a transactional act, where we give to God or others with the expectation of receiving something in return. This in itself is an indication that we may be harbouring a spirit of covetousness.
In 1 John 3:16-17, we’re reminded that “this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of God’s love and encourages us to follow His example.
As Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
We’re called to be imitators of God, walking in the way of love and sacrifice.
But what motivates our giving? Is it a desire to reciprocate to God’s love to others, or in hope for a reward or recognition? Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to “honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” Our giving should be an act of worship, honouring God with our resources.
So, how do we give correctly? The heart is a crucial factor in giving.
As Mark 7:6 says, “These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because their heart was not in their worship. Giving is also a form of worship, and our heart should be in it.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, we see an example of generous giving from the Macedonian church. Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to imitate their example, highlighting that giving is a proof of our love for the Lord.
As believers, let’s examine our hearts and motivations for giving. Are we giving out of a desire to honour God and love others, or are we expecting something in return? Giving is not a transactional act, where we invest with the hope of multiplying our returns. It’s not a spiritual Ponzi scheme! Rather, giving is an act of love, a reflection of God’s generous heart.
Let’s strive to cultivate a heart of generosity, sacrificing our resources and time for the benefit of others, just as Christ sacrificed Himself for us.
*Reflection Questions:*
– What motivates my giving?
– Am I giving with a heart of worship, or is my giving transactional?
– How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and sacrifice in my giving?
