Years ago one of our pastors went to Africa for a few weeks. When he returned one of the stories he shared from the pulpit was the offering made at a small church. He talked about how each family eagerly awaited their opportunity to bring the offering forward, of how they danced as they brought their gifts.
According to Paul what determines the amount of our own harvest? What amount should each person give? How does this promote a better attitude toward giving? What is God’s response?
The atmosphere described at the African church was one of celebration, of joy. Those in attendance wanted to give. It brought them happiness to know they could give.
The same attitude is sought in today’s passage. No amounts of dollars and cents, no percentages, no measurements are given. Instead, each should give what they have determined in their heart to give. What feels right to you?
Sounds like an easy out for most people – “I have determined that a penny is okay.” But before stating that each should determine their own amount, we are encouraged that if we give a little we will receive a little. And this goes beyond the financial rewards that many pastors preach about. If you give a very small amount of money when in fact you could afford more, then that sensation of doing what is right and good is diminished. If you are sacrificing to give to God, whatever the amount is, you will be rewarded greatly with a tremendous awareness that you have done God’s will.
It returns to the attitude. Determine what amount you want to give, but focus less on the exact amount and more on the feeling you have about giving. Is it going to require a financial effort or change in attitude on your part to give the amount you have determined? Or is this a gift you can easily afford, that requires no thought or effort at all?
Then, if you feel you are giving the right amount, add more effort by giving with a glad spirit and not grudgingly. Give with a smile.
And how will God respond? He will be certain you have all that you need and that you will receive abundant grace from Him.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Is your attitude when giving cheerful? If not, what can you do make it cheerful?
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