2 CORINTHIANS 9:7

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

KEYWORD: The measure of a person’s sacrifice often reflects the depth of his love and reverence for God.

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:38 helps us understand that giving is a divine principle. When we give, it shall be given back to us in good measure. As true as this is, it must never become our primary motivation for giving, especially to God. We are not called to give to God merely so that He can bless us with even more in return. That kind of giving becomes transactional. Our giving to God is first an act of worship. This is what true giving is all about. It is an expression of love, honour, and gratitude to God for who He is, rather than an attempt to receive something in return.

While we give to God in worship, this does not give us permission to bring just any kind of offering or careless sacrifice before Him and call it worship. Malachi 1:6 teaches us that God is both our Father and our Master, therefore He deserves our honour. Our giving must reflect that honour. Whenever an offering or sacrifice is presented before God, it is not merely the quantity that matters but the heart behind it. A heart that truly honours God will naturally present a worthy offering. The measure of a person’s sacrifice often reflects the depth of his love and reverence for God. Such giving rises before Him as a sweet-smelling sacrifice.

This teaches us that while we give from our substance, there are certain things God expects to see in our giving. First is honour. Malachi 1:6 reminds us that God deserves to be honoured. The attitude with which you present your offering matters to Him. You would not seek to honour someone with something you consider worthless, how much more the Almighty God. As we honour Him with our substance, we position ourselves to walk in His covenant blessings. Secondly is the condition of your heart. Your giving must come willingly, in faith, and out of genuine love, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God delights in a cheerful giver whose heart is fully committed to Him. Finally is the manner in which you present your offering. Your offering should be prepared thoughtfully and presented before the Lord with joy, thanksgiving, and reverence. This is the kind of giving that God receives as worship. Glory to God!

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of every good thing in my life. Help me to always see my giving as an act of worship and not merely an obligation or a means of receiving blessings. Teach me to honour You with my substance and to give willingly, joyfully, and in faith. Let my offerings always be acceptable before You and may my life continually bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
MALACHI 1:6

“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?”

EXODUS 25:2

“Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.”