15/04/2013 - THE RIGHT WAY TO GIVE

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So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

2Corinthians 9.7

Since the early times, man was taught how important it is to bring an offering to God. The two first sons of Adam and Eve brought offerings to the Lord – Abel offered a lamb, in which God rejoiced, but Cain, who later gave himself to the evil one, did not think about what he was doing and did not receive God’s approval. So always seek the Lord’s guidance in order for your offering to be accepted.

Since man was separated from divine presence, he lost all attributes that made him pleasing to God. In and of himself, man has nothing that recommends him to the Creator. Jesus was clear when saying he does not receive testimony from man (John 5.34), nor honor from men (Jo 5.41). So in order for us to offer or do any work for the Most High, inspiration and ability must come from him.

Through the preaching of the gospel or reading of the Scriptures, God speaks to your heart about what you must do, how you should behave and everything else that is necessary. If you act in accordance with God’s will, you will please him and he will be happy. But if you fail to take heed to what the Lord says and (despite meaning well), you do something he did not command, you will displease him. Well, the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8.10).

Never run away from the challenges that the Lord has set forth in your life. If he tells you to do something big, start doing it and keep advancing towards the goal. If God calls you to be the sower, he will provide you with the seed, and when you plant it, you will receive bread from him. Therefore, do not make the mistake to make an offering grudgingly, because this is an insult to God, as if he had given you a burden too heavy for you to bear.

Another mistake is to make an offering with the purpose of receiving more. Greed should never dwell in the heart of a child of God. Of course, there are promises the Lord has made for those who obey him. The cheerful givers will receive much more than they gave; but what really counts is your obedience, not your ulterior motives.

When you bring your offering to the Lord, remember that there is nothing more pleasant to God than when you fulfill what you proposed in your heart. Never change your mind about that. Be steadfast and obey the Father’s commands. One son said he was going to work, but he didn’t; the other said he was not going to work, but later he repented and decided to go. The latter pleased the Lord. Be like him!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares