MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN GIVING

SUBTHEME: WHERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

TOPIC: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN GIVING

TEXTS: 1 KINGS 3:1-14; 2 CORIN 9:6

Giving to God’s work and for the propagation of the gospel plays a very crucial role in showing practically the extent of our love and commitment to God. The scripture clearly reveals that God is interested in what we give, how we give, and our giving can truly provoke God to intervene in critical moments of our lives when we earnestly need Him.

In 1 Kings 3:3-5, King Solomon, motivated by the love he had for God, offered lavishly a thousand burnt offerings sacrificially unto God. It was not an act of show or display of wealth for self-glory or to impress people but to honour God. So, at night, God paid him a visit and gave him a turning-point encounter and access to things he never imagined or asked for.

Shedding further light on the subject of giving, Paul in 2 Corint. 9:6 uses an agricultural principle of sowing to illustrate what happens when we give. “He that sows sparingly shall reap sparingly, and he that sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The farmer who sows much seed will have a better chance for a bigger harvest. The more we invest in the work of the Lord, the more “fruit” will abound to our account. Phil. 4:10-20.

So, there is nothing given to God and in support of His work that is lost. Ecc. 11:1. Just like in farming, the seed may be buried long; it may lie in the ground with no indication of return or increase, but in due time it shall spring up and produce an ample increase.

Prayer: Lord, grant us grace to give like you without holding back in Jesus precious name, Amen.