About this time of year, I hear comments from neighbors saying, “Well I sent mine” or “I am fixing to send mine.” It is tax season, and time to look at our finances. There are usually papers scattered all over, and we are busy helping each other to get everything added up. It is our goal, or we try to give at least a tenth of our income. (Psalm 76:11).
Several years ago, we were busy and I didn’t watch our giving, and when we totaled our giving we found out we had given very little that year. I felt so ashamed, and I proposed in my heart I didn’t want that to happen again.
God has been so good to us, and we want to thank Him and honor Him with our giving. It could even be a way of saying thanks. We try to tithe to our local church, (Malachi 3:10) and we also give to other special needs if we can, (Psalm 41:1).
We have given when it was difficult, and we have given when we had a little extra - and God blessed both.
Attitude plays an important part in our giving.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
We can surely look at our checkbook or credit card receipts and see where our heart is.
Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God loves a cheerful giver, not a stingy one, (2 Corinthians 9:6&7).
Be sure the books balance.
See You in Church Next Sunday.