Audits & Resolutions - Day 14

Write From My Heart / December 14, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 14

Question: Do I care more about what I give or how I give it?

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

            When some people think of “giving” perhaps the first verse they recall would be the Luke 6:38 passage. Unfortunately that verse is often twisted to imply, “Wow, because I gave ‘something’ now I’m going to get a whole lot more in return.” This in turn leads to the subtly deceptive prosperity gospel so prevalent among some of today’s churches and televangelists. These folks would do well to turn a few pages and read the lesson of “The Widow’s Mite” for true giving does not come from wealth in order to produce more wealth,  but true giving comes from the heart.

            Giving by the world standards doesn’t require much thought. You just check your balances and toss a safe amount into the offering plate. Giving that honors God is a matter of your heart and your attitude. The specific amount of that type of giving can only be determined by prayer. Have you ever associated giving as a form of grace? We typically only define grace as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense, and truly it is. Yet according to Apostle Paul, our giving needs to be in the same attitude as that of Christ—willing, obedient, sacrificial, above and beyond what is deserved by others. Giving out of a sense of what is expected seems more in line with tithing whereas the grace of giving seems to go beyond a traditional sense of tithe. This is something I am only beginning to understand. Out of grace Christ has done so much for me. What can I graciously (i.e., with generosity of spirit) do for him?

Resolution: Give cheerfully; excel in the grace of giving.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            In a time when for many folks resources are tight, we thank you for the reminder that true giving comes from an attitude within our heart. The amount can only be determined through prayer, and the amount is not the issue—that we give it willingly and cheerfully to honor you is. Forgive us when we fail and thank you for working within our hearts.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.