JULY 24 “INTIMACY IN GIVING (Part 2): OFFERING”

You may be wondering if it is possible to rob God. The Almighty and All Powerful. God Himself stated in Malachi 3:8 that He was robbed in tithes and offerings. Yesterday, we saw what our attitude should be towards tithing. Today, our focus will be on offering. Offering should be regarded as something given in devotion to God. It is sacred and should not be done casually but with reverence, knowing that the offer is to the Owner and Giver of all things. If God demands an offering, it is not because He lacks anything but that He chooses to partner with us, His creation and enjoy or take pleasure in our devotion to Him.

In our text for today, offering is likened to seeds sown. The quantity of seeds determines the quantity of the harvest. However, quantity of seeds is relative to available resources to the sower. Jesus gave this illustration in Mark 12:43-44 when He pointed His disciples’ attention to the two coins a widow put in the offering box, comparing it to the plenty of money put in by the rich. To Jesus, the widow’s offering received better attention and acknowledgement than those of the rich because she gave all she had to live on. In this same spirit, King David said in 2 Samuel 24:24 that he will not offer to God what cost him nothing.

When you plan how much offering to give, have it in mind that it must cost you something. It means much to God when you give the little you have or plenty out of your riches. King Solomon gave an unusually big offering in his days and got a blank check from God. Give your offering with a good conscience towards others (Matthew 5:23-24) and give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

PRAYER: Father, as I plan how much offering to give, guide my thoughts and lead me to give the right thing and in the right way in Jesus’ name, Amen.