giving

God’s attitude

‘Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Big picture

Photo: Tearfund

Hands up who likes giving more than spending? If we’re honest we all find it hard to give our money away. In 2005 the average income of 14-18s was £23 a week, which 52% of you said you mostly spent on clothes. However, only 0.5% of you said that you gave regularly to your church. Oh dear. That’s a problem.

John Wesley, well-known Christian leader said ‘When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart.’ The Bible talks a lot about giving because it is an important expression of our love for God. Love is more than a feeling; it causes us to act. Think about someone you really love and how spending time with them and showing them you love them is a natural response to that feeling. Isn’t it like that with God?

Passionate spirituality

Photo: Richard Hanson/ Tearfund.

Giving is an essential part of our worship of Jesus. When we hold back with our money we rob God, and we end up robbed of a more intimate relationship with Him. Jesus taught that what matters most when we give is our heart attitude rather than the amount. The more we love Him, the more we’ll want to give back to him and not be tight with our money.

What does this mean for me as a disciple?

Under the Old Testament law, the Israelites gave 10% of their income to God and they called it a tithe. But sadly, the Israelites treated the law like a checklist for being right and wrong. Their giving wasn’t worship, it was a performance. Jesus challenged this attitude in Luke 21:1-4. He showed them that giving is an essential part of worship, but it’s our heart attitude that matters most to God.

What is my response?

Ask God to show you how much you should give to Him via your church. Ten percent is a good start but not a box to be ticked. Ask Him to help you become someone who loves to give to Him and others.