The Power of Giving

Being Believers of Means: The Power of Giving

Acts 11:29, 30 ‘…every man according to his ability, gave…’

 By Kurai Chitima

When you talk about money, you touch people’s hearts.  People’s hearts follow their treasure (Mat 6:21). Giving of one’s treasure to God’s cause directs one’s heart to God (Mat 6:21). The Bible teaches that giving is the key to breaking the curse of poverty and a limited life. The church at Antioch had people who were able to give towards ministry needs.  The advance of the gospel was made possible by the generous giving of God’s people (Luke 8:3).  In addition to people who pray and work, God is looking for givers. To people who give, God promises sufficiency in all things (2 Cor 9:8; Phil 4:19). John’s highest desire for God’s people was that they prosper in all things and be in health as they prospered spiritually (3 John 2). The principles of life in God’s kingdom are based on righteousness (Mat 6:33), love (1 Cor 13:8) and faith (Mark 9:23).  Giving frees you to receive the reward/blessing of the cross. Its ‘I don’t have because I don’t give’ NOT ‘I don’t give because I don’t have’. If you don’t use your treasure to build the tabernacle you will use it to build an idol (Exodus 32:4). Three facts to remember:

>God is a giver and has given His best for us implying His heart is for us(John 3:16). We owe God everything. He gave us life, breath, eyes, all things. You were once lost but He pursued you until you saw the light. Nothing less than 100% is due to Him. You can give without love but cannot love without giving. Love so amazing/immeasurable so divine demands your soul, your life, your all. Anything you give to Him is a mere token. He already owns everything and you are just managers/stewards (Hag 2:8; Psalm 24:1; Ps 50:10; Prov 3:9; 1 Chr 29:14). You will give an account (Luke 19:12-26).

>God wants you not your gift. It’s an easy and joyful experience to give when you have first given yourself to God. The Corinthian church first gave themselves and it became easy to give despite their own severe trials (2 Cor 8:5).  Can you say its no longer I who lives but Christ living in me (Gal 2:20, Rom 12:1). Willingness to give to God, tithes and offerings,  indicates how much you have surrendered to Him (Mal 3:8, 10, 11). Can God trust you with your money? If not, how can he trust you with true riches (Luke 16:11).

>God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). Your offering is a portrait of your passion and confidence in God. Its not true that if you give you will not have enough (Luke 6:38; Prov 11:24, 25; Prov 3:9,10,. Prov 19:17). Its not the quantity but the quality, sacrifice and patient consistence that matters (Mark 12:41-44). 

NOTE:

-          Over 2000 verses in the Bible relate to money. There are more verses on money than on heaven and hell combined. Money is not evil (1 Timothy 6:10, Prov 13:22b, Ecc 10:19). It only takes the character of its owner. How you handle money says a lot about your spiritual condition and life priorities. It is OK to be rich but seek first God and not Gold (Numbers 6:24; 3 John 2). What matters is the motives, means and usage (James 4:3). God gives the power to create wealth (Deut 8:18). God is not worried by a person with possessions, but with one possessed by them.  You can have good things as long as the things don’t have you. The goal in material prosperity is not affluence but influence for God. Money is a means to an end not an end in itself.