GOD'S GIVING AND OUR GIVING
Do you remember one of the first verses you most likely memorized as a child in Bible class? I re-
member the words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The beauty of that verse re-
mains fresh despite its almost constant use in countless sermons and articles. Its message? “God loved
...therefore He gave.” Matthew and Mark record this great truth in this manner: “...the Son of man
came...to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45) . Isn’t it humbling to know that God and Jesus gave so much and we have so little to give in return?
However, God does NOT require that we give beyond our ability (Matt. 25:29; Luke 19: 26; Matt.
13:12; Mark 12:48; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). What God DOES require is that we give Him “...all of our heart
and all of our mind and all of our soul and all of our strength” (Mark 12: 30). God does not want our
money if we do not give ourselves first. What God does want are sons and daughters who have given
their complete selves over to Him. Thus we can then say with Paul, “...it is no longer I that live, but
Christ liveth in me...” because Christ “...loved me and gave himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). When it comes to giving, many use the example of Israel under the Old Testament and their giving
ten per cent of their income. It must be pointed out, however, that the tithe was not all they gave. It has
been estimated that they gave God over 25 per cent and sometimes a lot more than that! When con-
sidering the amount you will give to the Lord, consider the example that Jesus gave us. Giving is like
planting a wheat field--it doesn’t matter how much land you have or how much it is cultivated--if you
use only a little in sowing, you will reap very little wheat. If you want a large crop, you must sow much
seed (2 Cor. 9:5-9). That principle applies to the money we give every Sunday and also to our time, our
talents and activities. When we adopt this attitude toward giving to Christ, something wonderful hap-
pens. The words of Jesus’ promise come clear: “Ask, and it shall be given you...for everyone that asketh
receiveth...If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall
your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matt. 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13). Many of us memorized John 3:16 years ago. Maybe it is time to memorize Jesus’ words from Acts
20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The best way to compliment your wife is frequently.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
member the words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The beauty of that verse re-
mains fresh despite its almost constant use in countless sermons and articles. Its message? “God loved
...therefore He gave.” Matthew and Mark record this great truth in this manner: “...the Son of man
came...to give his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45) . Isn’t it humbling to know that God and Jesus gave so much and we have so little to give in return?
However, God does NOT require that we give beyond our ability (Matt. 25:29; Luke 19: 26; Matt.
13:12; Mark 12:48; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). What God DOES require is that we give Him “...all of our heart
and all of our mind and all of our soul and all of our strength” (Mark 12: 30). God does not want our
money if we do not give ourselves first. What God does want are sons and daughters who have given
their complete selves over to Him. Thus we can then say with Paul, “...it is no longer I that live, but
Christ liveth in me...” because Christ “...loved me and gave himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). When it comes to giving, many use the example of Israel under the Old Testament and their giving
ten per cent of their income. It must be pointed out, however, that the tithe was not all they gave. It has
been estimated that they gave God over 25 per cent and sometimes a lot more than that! When con-
sidering the amount you will give to the Lord, consider the example that Jesus gave us. Giving is like
planting a wheat field--it doesn’t matter how much land you have or how much it is cultivated--if you
use only a little in sowing, you will reap very little wheat. If you want a large crop, you must sow much
seed (2 Cor. 9:5-9). That principle applies to the money we give every Sunday and also to our time, our
talents and activities. When we adopt this attitude toward giving to Christ, something wonderful hap-
pens. The words of Jesus’ promise come clear: “Ask, and it shall be given you...for everyone that asketh
receiveth...If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall
your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matt. 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13). Many of us memorized John 3:16 years ago. Maybe it is time to memorize Jesus’ words from Acts
20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The best way to compliment your wife is frequently.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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