Giving

Dear beloved congregation,

Today, we are here to explore the divine principles of giving that God has outlined for us in His Word. Just as God rewards those who generously give, He also desires that we approach our giving with the right attitude and perspective. The offering made by Cain and Abel to the Lord was a significant source of concern.

There are three essential principles we must consider when offering our gifts to the Lord.

1. Obedience:
   One of the crucial factors in giving is obedience to God’s commands. Deuteronomy 10:13 emphasizes that God’s commands are for our own good, and by obeying them, we show our willingness to align ourselves with His will. Obedience reflects our relationship with God and sets the foundation for our giving. Giving should never be a reluctant act, but a joyful response to God’s instructions. When God speaks, do we listen and obey, or do we question His requests?
2. Fear the Lord
   We serve an all-knowing God, the Alpha and Omega, who knows our beginning and end. Understanding that God is the Alpha and Omega – the beginning and the end – helps us realize that we must hold Him in awe and reverence. Our giving should reflect our respect for His sovereignty over our lives. As humans, we may believe that we understand our origins, but in reality, we are unaware of the full truth. The stories we hear about our birth and the events surrounding it are merely historical accounts. Only God possesses knowledge of our true beginnings and ends. You must prove to God that you value him more than everything he has given you.
   Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is through this fear that we understand the gravity of our actions and decisions.
3. Love Him with All Your Heart
   God’s love for us is unparalleled, and He desires our genuine love in return. Abraham’s willingness to offer his precious son Isaac showcases his deep love and trust in God. Likewise, God wants us to love Him wholeheartedly and give out of that love. God does not want any competition with his glory because he knew he was still going to sacrifice his only begotten son for mankind, but because he wanted to know what Abraham felt for him, he made him go through that test. We must recognize that everything we have belongs to God, and when we give, it is an act of devotion and adoration. We should not view giving as a mere obligation but as an opportunity to express our affection for the One who has given us everything.

You must prove to God that you value him more than everything he has given you… Prophet Akintunde Akinniyi

Beloved brethren, as we conclude today’s sermon, let us remember the significance of generous giving. Different offerings have distinct purposes, and by obeying God’s commands, fearing the Lord, and loving Him wholeheartedly, we can experience His blessings beyond measure. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus calls us to love God with all our hearts. Only through this love can we find true fulfillment, for He alone can fill the void in our hearts.

Do not give with the expectation of immediate rewards, but with a heart that seeks to honour God and express your profound love for Him. In times of doubt or comparison, let us turn to Malachi 3:13-18 where we see that God rewards both the good and the bad, and His timing is perfect.

As we give with the right heart, be rest assured that God’s rewards, though sometimes mysterious, will be abundant and fulfilling. May God bless you abundantly as you embrace these principles of generous giving.

Amen.