A Giving Heart

 

A Giving Heart

“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)

The people of Israel brought gifts for the construction of the holy temple in Jerusalem, it is mentioned no less than six times in this chapter that their offerings were willing offerings (once in verses 6 and 14, twice each in verses 9 and 17). In fact, they were not only willing but also rejoiced in their hearts that they were able to serve God in this manner. It was a sacred place, a place belonging to all who would come to worship.

Joyful giving is not the usual response to a fundraising effort for a religious cause. The parishioners close their hearts and preserves their purse. The practice of high-pressure solicitations has developed a growing cynicism in Christians toward all such tithing. Further, misuse of collected funds is reported of mega churches and mistrust develops among many tithing Christians. The attitude of, “I give my tithes in my church on Sunday morning” develops.”

That is not the way it should be, “for God loveth a cheerful giver” (Second Corinthians 9:7) “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” The churches of Macedonia suffered poverty.

(2 Corinthians 8:2-4) “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; What made the difference? They “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). After giving themselves to God, they tithed to the cause of the temple builders.”

(1 Chronicles 29:3-8) “Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

5...And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?

David had let his light shine before them; led by good example. Also reminding himself and his people as he prayed a prayer of thanksgiving that “all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14).

The old adage “you can’t out give God is certainly true. Give from the heart to the needs of the saints. You won’t regret it. Know God, know peace. Amen 03/20/21