Giving through Love
We can see by the word “may”
that giving is to be from the heart rather than
a commandment. Also, the “giving” is to be a
gift rather than a loan. When we look at the
nine gifts of God, we can see the similarity
that children of God are to share their
blessings with those in need. In this the love
of God can be manifested through those that are
Christ’s, drawing others to Christ. I have not
found anywhere that the church is suggested to
give to any other place or purpose than to those
in need.
Ephesians 4:28.
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather
let him labor, working with his hands what is
good, that he may have something to give
him who has need.
Godly
Financial Responsibility
One interesting aspect of this verse to consider
is the love and personal responsibility shown in
the heart of the children of God in giving.
God’s children should not expect this
responsibility to be passed upon another but to
get personally involved with those that are
weaker.
I think God will place those in need in our
circle of influence that we are to be
responsible for. I’m not saying that this
responsibility cannot be shared with others but
that it should not be avoided by passing it on
to others. When giving is done in the Spirit of
love, it will not be done with regret. Consider
how God loves a cheerful giver.
Acts 20:33.
"I have coveted no
one's silver or gold or apparel. 34. "Yes, you
yourselves know that these hands have provided
for my necessities, and for those who were with
me. 35. "I have shown you in every way, by
laboring like this, that you must support the
weak. And remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, that He said, `It
is more blessed to give than to receive.'
'' 36. And when he had said these things, he
knelt down and prayed with them all.
2 Corinthians 9:6.
But this I say: He
who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
he who sows bountifully will also reap
bountifully. 7. So let each one give as he
purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of
necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8. And God is able to make all grace abound
toward you, that you, always having all
sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for
every good work.
Take note that I
do not find a Scriptural example given in the
New Testament of giving to a building fund but
rather to give from the heart to those in need
that God has placed in our circle of influence.
