Give Yourself First

 Hello everyone,

Giving is one thing I hear a lot at church gathering today. Emphasis is placed on this as though the church is afraid of not having. I hear scriptures being read to the members which sort of compels them to give. Giving is very important as a Son of God, don’t get me wrong, but many people at church gathering are forced to give because areas in the Bible that have to do with fear are read to compel the members to give. But the truth is that many don’t give in love, but in fear or “selfish ambition”, and what is very important for every Son of God to know about giving isn’t explained, and this is what today’s write-up is all about.

In one of my past write-up, I explained that giving is not just about what is being given, but all about the giver. God doesn’t look at what is given first, He looks at the giver’s heart first. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Your heart is what defines who you are, where you stand, and the condition of your heart when you are giving. Presenting your body to God is a Spiritual worship to God, and this was what the Macedonians did, (ref.: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 says, “WE WANT to tell you further, brethren, about the grace (the favour and spiritual blessing) of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [arousing in them the desire to give alms]; ₂ For in the midst of an ordeal of severe tribulation, their abundance of joy and their depth of poverty [together] have overflowed in wealth of lavish generosity on their part.” AMPLIFIED. The Macedonians were overflowing with joy when it came to giving, even with their severe poverty, and why was it easy for them to do this? It was easy because they understood what Romans 12:1 says.

2 Corinthians 8:5 continued on the way of life of the Macedonians towards giving, “Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God].”

 The very first thing everyone in the church gathering, whether they are saved or not is that giving their hearts first to the Lord is what is important to God. This is what allows you to know how to give because your giving won’t be out of compulsion, but out of love and joy. There won’t be any need for threats to be read in the church, all in the name of giving, rather Romans 12:1 should be read, the testimony of the Macedonians should also be read. And one more thing, it is not your giving that allows God to bless you under the dispensation of Christ resurrection (write-up for another day).

May the LORD bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you. May the LORD be gracious to you and lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. AMEN.

                    

Why not accept Jesus today if you haven’t. Pray out loud, “Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord and Saviour. I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. By faith in Your Word, I receive salvation now. Thank You for saving me!” Congratulations, you’re born again, you are now brand new!

                                          

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GOD BLESS YOU.

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Unless otherwise stated, the following scriptures are gotten from New King James Version (NKJV)