Introduction
Many people believe that their wealth is the result of their hard work and intelligence. While effort and diligence are commendable, Scripture reminds us that all resources ultimately belong to God. In Deuteronomy 8:18, we are told, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth." Likewise, Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." This perspective challenges us to see giving not as an act of personal sacrifice but as the simple sharing of what God has entrusted to us.
1. The Illusion of Ownership
Many struggle to give because they believe that what they own is entirely theirs. However, Scripture teaches that everything we have comes from God. When we refuse to be generous, we act as though we are the sole owners of our possessions, rather than stewards. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 illustrates the danger of this mindset. Instead of sharing his abundant harvest, the rich man hoarded it, only to die suddenly, leaving his wealth behind. Jesus concludes, "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).
Application: We must view our wealth—whether large or small—as a tool for fulfilling God’s purposes, not just our personal comfort.
2. Responding to Generosity with Generosity
(see Our Daily Bread, February 25, 2025)
“When Lydia was gifted $10,000 by anonymous donors, she spent little of it on herself. Instead, she gave generous gifts to coworkers, family, flood victims, and charities. Lydia, unbeknownst to her, was part of a study following how two hundred people responded to a no-strings-attached gift of $10,000 through a bank transfer. That study found that more than two-thirds of that gifted money was given away. Sharing this story, Chris Anderson, head of the TED nonprofit media organization, reflected, “‘It turns out that . . . we human beings are wired to respond to generosity with generosity.’”
The story from Our Daily Bread about Lydia and other research participants who gave generously after receiving $10,000 highlights an important truth: people are often more willing to give when they perceive the money as "extra" or "unexpected." But shouldn’t we always view our resources this way? Every breath, every opportunity, and every material blessing is a gift from God.
Jesus emphasizes this in Luke 6:35: "Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High." True generosity reflects the heart of God, who "is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
Application: When we give, we acknowledge that all we have is from God. We should not wait for an "extra" blessing before giving—we should give consistently, knowing that God provides for our needs.
3. Giving as an Investment in Eternity
Jesus teaches that giving is not just a good deed but an eternal investment. Luke 6:38 states, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." This is not a prosperity gospel promise but a spiritual principle: generosity invites God’s provision, not only materially but in joy, peace, and purpose.
Paul reinforces this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Application: Giving is not a loss but a divine transaction. When we give, we store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and deepen our dependence on God rather than our material possessions.
4. The Heart of Giving: Love and Obedience
Ultimately, giving is an act of love and obedience to God. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This means that every act of generosity—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick—counts as service to Christ Himself.
In contrast, those who neglect the needy demonstrate a heart distant from God’s will. This is why Jesus warns in Matthew 25:45, "Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Giving is not just about helping others—it is a test of our faith and love for God.
Application: Our generosity should not be occasional or conditional. It should be a way of life, reflecting God’s mercy and provision.
Conclusion: A Challenge to Believers
Giving to the needy is not a favour we do for others—it is a simple requirement of stewardship. God has entrusted us with resources, and He calls us to share them freely.
Reflect:
- Do you see your possessions as yours or as God’s entrusted resources?
- Are you generous only when you receive unexpected blessings, or is generosity part of your lifestyle?
- How can you grow in obedience to God’s command to care for the poor and needy?
As we embrace a mindset of stewardship, let us give freely, trusting that God, the true owner of all things, will continue to provide for us. Amen.
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY
