Partnering with God Through Giving
ICS Daily Devotions
Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.
It is never God’s will for anyone to be in lack. There was no lack in the Garden of Eden; the Israelites experienced no lack in the wilderness, and there was no lack in the Promised Land.
Indeed, we are lending to the Lord when we give to the poor because God’s heart is for them. God has compassion for the orphans, widows, the poor, and the sick. We must recognise that we are stewards of God’s money and channels of His blessings to those He has placed on this earth. He would want us to do what He would do if Jesus were walking on earth today.
Galatians 6:6 (NKJV) Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
Matthew 10:40-41 (NKJV) “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
We should bless the ministers of God—pastors, evangelists, or missionaries. Stewardship of God’s resources includes using every resource God has entrusted to us for His purposes. We can bless them using our homes, our cars, even time-share accommodations, or frequent flyer miles. Freely share whatever the Lord has placed in your hands. This way, you are participating in the work they do and will share in their rewards.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
The Greek word for “cheerful” translates as “hilarious.” Therefore, we should be excited about the opportunity to give. Giving allows us to experience God and His faithfulness. It also serves as a way that God has provided for us to partner with Him in ministry. We should also be thankful that He has chosen to entrust us with abundance so that we can excel in every good work and increase the fruit of our righteousness. It is an act of righteousness whenever we choose to give to a good cause, whether it is to bless the poor, support missionaries, or other worthy causes that God has placed in our path.
We should excel in giving if we desire to be imitators of Christ. God loves us so deeply that He gave His Son to redeem us from our sins. Christ willingly gave His life in exchange for our souls. Giving is the very nature of God. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity to give, we should do so cheerfully, knowing that it reflects God’s character within us.
We do not need to be wealthy to give; we can give within our means. Jesus explained the difference between the widow’s and the rich man’s giving (Mark 12:42). It is about our hearts.
Reflection: Do you see giving to the poor and supporting God’s servants as a privilege and partnership with the Lord, or as an obligation?
Sermon Series： Our Free Will Offering
