Be A Joyful Giver

Be A Joyful Giver

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house."
Malachi 3:10

The Biblical formula for giving is an act of worship. It is a way to honor God for His provision in our own life. We need to recognize the fact that all that we own belongs to God, and our giving is a way to show Him that we thank Him for all His blessings, and the things He has given us. It shows God that we are willing to not hoard, covet and hold on to all our wealth, but are willing to give back our first fruits to honor and thank Him. When we give, we are simply giving back to God a portion of what He has entrusted to us. We are to give "according to our ability to give". You can't give what you don't have, but you are to give back to God, your first fruits, and depend upon Him to provide your needs. You may do your budget at the beginning of the month, and say I don't have enough to give to God, as my house payment and electric payments are too much, and I don't have any to give God this month. If you are in this situation, you must cut back on your other expenses, instead of cutting back on giving back to God. Don't give God His money, because you feel guilty, or others expect you to give, but give it for the right reason. You must freely give with a joyful heart, like the widow who gave her last cent. Giving is important, but giving for the right reason is just as important. God will provide your needs, but you must trust Him. We are to give out of our love for God, We are to give because all that we have belongs to God, we are to give with a joyful heart, not out of guilt. God will bless your obedience in giving and your faithfulness.