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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Our God is a giving God. He is a God of abundance (John 10:10; James 1:5; Psalm 103:8; Isaiah 55:1-7; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 5:20), and He loves to give. He sacrificed willingly on the cross and...
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Judith Tungwarara
Supporter
Giving is so emphasised in christian faith, because giving is the foundation of christianity! For God so loved the world, that He gave, His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3v16) God demonstrated His love by giving up Jesus, to be a sacrifice for our redemption! This was God's proof that He loves humankind more than any thing else! Without God's giving, today there woudnt be any christianity, it was His giving that gave birth to christianity, thus therefore anyone who understands and accept God's giving, will in turn do the same!
Grant Abbott
Supporter
Giving is an act of love in obedience to Christ's command that we "Love our neighbours as ourselves" (Mark 12:30-31). Giving demonstrates our thankfulness to God for our salvation (Luke 7:47) Giving crucifies evil desires of our flesh. Satan uses "greed" and "covetousness" to incite us to want and keep more and more material wealth for ourselves. When we practice a life of "generous" giving we put these desires to death. Thank you Jesus for showing us through your life the generous heart of our Father in heaven.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Giving is so emphasized in the Christian faith because we might be blessed by so doing (Prov. 3:9-10; 28:20; Mal 3:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6). Also, a reason for giving our money is that God's work might be supported (1 Tim 5:17-18). That needy saints may be provided for is another reason for giving (Acts 11:29; 1 John 3:17). A fourth reason for this stewardship is that other Christians might be challenged (2 Cor. 9:2) and the Father glorified (2 Co. 9:12).
Al Mark
Supporter
In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he expresses several important ideas that we can learn from. In 4:10-23, he expresses his joy in seeing how concerned the Philippian church was for him, so much so that they sent a gift through Epaphroditus to help him. The church was by no means wealthy, and yet they gave to support God's ministry in Paul. This was sacrificial giving, of a similar kind to Christ's sacrificial giving for sinners. Paul used the same words (osmen euodias - "fragrant aroma") referring to the church's gift as he did in Ephesians 5:2 when he spoke of Christ's offering of himself. Whenever we give sacrificially, we are like Christ, following his example. The widow with the offering of the two mites is another example.
Another principle expressed here is that whatever is done for the servant is in reality done for the master. What is given to a child of God is given to God himself (Matt 10:40-42; 25:31-40). He starts with the vocabulary of banking ("received full payment") and moves to the language of worship ("a fragrant aroma").
Yet another principle shown in this letter is being content in all circumstances (4:11). When we are content, it frees us to give even more, because we know that we have a God who is more than able to provide what we need. When God is trusted to supply our needs, he is lifted up and honored in our lives.
Scott Broberg
Supporter
Whether we call it giving, charity or generosity – the act of providing for the needs of others out of our excess is a characteristic found throughout the Bible. God is concerned with those in need. We, in the image of God, should take up His concern. Giving is a “win-win-win” for God’s kingdom: - The giver grows and experiences joy. - The receiver’s suffering is alleviated. - God’s glory is magnified in the world. All areas of God’s creation are improved when we give. That should be enough for us to make giving a regular practice. One aspect of giving that is so important to God is the proper development of the person's character doing the giving. The act of giving is a demonstration of our character and, at the same time, a tool to strengthen our character further: - We acknowledge that ALL belongs to God. - We place our trust in God to provide for us in the future. - Our concern for others increases when we take the focus away from ourselves. - Our heart is directed towards those in need – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be” (Matt. 6:21). - As our heart is moved toward what God is concerned about – those in need – we experience the joy of being like-minded with God. - We create a space for God to act in our lives. - We don’t allow money and material to become a task-master over our lives. As Jesus says, “No servant can serve two masters” (Luke 16:13). Giving is not a zero-sum game. When we give, it affects both us as individuals and dynamically expands God's kingdom here on earth.
Michael Kouroupis
Supporter
Casually observing any culture or society, then it’s easy to conclude that it’s built into all of humanity the ability to have sympathy/empathy and step-up and lend a hand. (aka: ‘give’). What’s peculiarly missing in Christian circles is the recognition of the when-s, where-s, to whom-s, and under what circumstances to NOT fetter in another’s affairs. Valid points can be made as to when to give aid/assistance, and when to preserve our own resources to be used for a later opportunity. In what realm is Christian charity even invoked in the Bible? Sure, it can be at the individual level as led by the Holy Spirit, even at the church level, but there’s no such thing as “Christian charity” done above and beyond that, - like from a government or such. A Christian brand of ‘giving’ always has an eternal-eternity purpose in mind. A ‘giving’ that’s unique and a superset of what any other run-of-the-mill society would do for its ‘own’. What’s ‘best’ for the receiver is paramount,... rather than making us (or church affiliation) appear benevolent to outsiders. In modern church history it’s been rife with what’s been deemed ‘toxic giving’, - where more harm than good is done (to both the giver and receiver(s)) Even the heathens can give a cool water, yet ONLY a cup of cool water in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:41) has an eternal significance.
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