Mentor
GIVING AND RECEIVING (ByPastor Jude Okwubune)
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (ACTS 20:34, 35)
Should Christians have a giving lifestyle?
Giving is a covenant act proclaimed by God to all believers via Abraham when God proclaimed that through Abraham and his seed all men will be blessed. Jesus freely gave and taught His disciples to give. Except on the kingdom of God Jesus taught about giving more than any thing else. God promises that if we give to others, we will receive in diverse ways and He will grant divine favor and cause men to give to us in other areas of our need. Forgiveness is the highest form of giving in man. Giving and forgiveness releases us to be the creatures Almighty God has made, it brings us alive, blessed and well taken care of by God.
We do not give because we have all that we need, instead giving is a sign that Jesus Christ is formed in us like the Macedonian Church (2 Corinthians 8:1-5); when Zacchaeus decided on restitution and giving to others, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house…” (Luke19:8, 9). Giving opens divine doors to us, even when it seems like you have nothing seek ways and things to give, give on all occasions.
- Giving or receiving ensures our protection, provision, honour and empowerment (Psalm 112:9,10)
- Giving or receiving brings thanksgiving to God and blesses others (2Corinthians 9:12,13)
- God loves and favors cheerful givers (2Corinthians 9:7)
DISCUSSIONS
- What is the significance of giving to salvation?
- When should a Christian be giving?
- Why does God love willing givers?
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