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Characteristics of the Christian’s Giving
In every age God has required gifts, offerings, and sacrifices of His people. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous” (right or just in God’s sight) (Heb. 11:4). Although we are not told specifically what God instructed Cain and Abel to offer, we are told that Abel’s offering was “by faith;” and since faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), we know God had given them instructions as to what He wanted.
Since we are not under the same law as Cain and Abel, it is not important for us to know exactly what instructions were given them, but we do need to make certain our giving is also “by faith.” So let’s examine some instructions in the New Will and Testament of Jesus Christ:
1. Upon the first day of the week we are to lay by in store as God has prospered us (1 Cor. 16:2). The Israelites were reminded that it was the “Lord your God” who gives you power to get wealth (Deut. 8:18). James says every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). How well off would you be if God reversed this and prospered you by eight or nine times the amount you lay by in store??
2. The approved example of the Macedonians indicates our giving should be: liberal and willingly – having first given themselves to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:13).
3. We are to abound in this grace of giving (2 Cor. 8:7; 9:5). Abound is defined as, “To exist in plenty, to have in generous measure.”
4. Having a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has (2 Cor. 8:12; 9:2). Jesus made special note of the poor widow who gave two mites (Mark 12:41-44), which was all she had.
5. In our giving we are to sow bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6). This passage says we will reap in proportion as we sow. Do you ever wonder why you do not have more than you do? If so, think of this principle and study 2 Cor. 9:8-13; Prov. 11:24; Psalm 112:5-9; Mal. 3:8-10; and Phil. 4:18-19. Do we believe God?
6. Give cheerfully as we purpose in our hearts (2 Cor. 9:7). Have you ever been guilty of thinking, “With the cost of living raising as it is, there isn’t much left to give to the Lord”? God has never accepted “what is left,” regardless of how much or how little it is, always requiring the firstfruits (Lev. 23:10, 17; Exo. 23:19). This “purposing” must be the first item in our budget, not the last.
Does your giving contain these characteristics? Think about it!
