How to Be an Acceptable Giver as a Believer - Raising Zion
We feel good when we give. But, are you giving out of abundance or out of scarcity?
Paul writes we can use all our strength to serve, but without love we are nothing.
The poor widow cast two mites of her scarcity. But the rich man, out of his abundance. Jesus was pleased with the widow. He lauded her faith and trust in God. (Luke 21:1-4 ) (Mark 12:42-44)
The Zarephath widow gave whatever she had to the prophet Elijah.
“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
1 Kings 17:12
During his ministry, Paul would work as a tent-maker to fund churches. An apostle does not have the time for earthly work, yet, for the sake of the ministry, Paul laboured to provide.
For you remember, believers, our labour and hardship. We worked night and day [practising our trade] not to be a [financial] burden to any of you while we proclaimed the gospel of God to you.
1 Thessalonians 2:9
The church in Macedonia gave voluntarily. Beyond their capacity.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability.
2 Corinthians 8:3
Jesus gave out of His scarcity, He was an acceptable giver
He offered Himself as the perfect example. Jesus took nothing with Him. He made Himself scarce yet gave out of the abundance of God’s provision. Be it water turned to wine or five loaves and two fishes to feed 5000. By faith, He served heaven and earth.
Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. In Him, we are all-sufficient. We will not only be givers but cheerful givers. We give whether we are rich or poor. Maranatha, Praise God and Amen!
