GIVE

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

For the Son of Man came… to give…”

I have always loved the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas morning. As a kid, I was convinced that the best part was receiving gifts. But as an adult, I have way more fun giving them. Spending time thinking about each person and finding the right gift is even better than receiving just the right one. Now, as a parent, I get the privilege of seeing my kids more excited about what they give than what they receive on Christmas morning.

This is because they are made in the image of God. To be like God will mean that we give. For us to have a relationship with God and with each other, God knew that we would need the opportunity to give to Him to experience our relationship with Him entirely.

Yes, he gives us everything, but he called his children to give 10% of their income to express their love. This 10% would fund the worship of God and the mission of God in this world, first in Israel and then more fully in the church.

I wasn’t so sure about tithing at first, but there are few things I treasure more than the opportunity to give to the One who has given everything to me. God doesn’t need to receive that money. He knows that we have the need to give it.

Research* says that when two people go out for a meal, and one person pays, it is the person who pays who leaves with a greater emotional attachment than the one who enjoyed the meal without paying. What does that mean about God’s attachment to you? He would give you life, all things, and even his Son as a ransom for your sins. That means He is fully attached to you with an unbreakable bond because He gave His Son, the one who He had been bound to for eternity.

How will a new habit of giving or increasing your giving help your attachment to God and 938 Church?

Over the weeks of Give-Serve-Grow, will you pray about how God is calling you to trust Him with your money? Consider how you may want to offer a one-time gift or begin increasing your recurring gift.