I don’t know why this happens, but if you  have a sore toe or finger you keep bumping it against things. Or someone touches that sore spot. The you want to go through the roof.

I suspect it’s the same when you talk about giving, money and gifts. People get easily upset when you talk about their wallets and gifts that should be used in the Kingdom of God. Is it because the sore place is sensitive? I think if people’s attitude was right and they gave sufficiently of their money and gifts, it would not have been necessary to talk about it. But this subject is a learning curve for everyone, because it’s not something that comes naturally. On the contrary, we rather hold on than sharing.

Well, so we have to give. We know this from childhood. How much we have to give is between you and God. Decide for yourself how much 10% of your income is. Decide for yourself whether you’ve based your calculations on the money in your hand or your gross income. I once heard a very good sermon that helped me make the calculation: You cannot out-give God! That is so true. Try it and see whether you figures still balance at the end of the month. I have learnt from experience that our God provides so that we can give.

But it is important that we give with the right attitude. It’s no use giving reluctantly. Then you may just as well leave it. And this is what Paul is talking to the people of Corinth about: 12Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can’t. The heart regulates the hands. 13This isn’t so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you’re shoulder to shoulder with them all the way, your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit. In the end you come out even.

There you have it. Why make an issue of something that should happen automatically?

I thanked one of our donors for his contribution to the ministry. This big Cheetah supporter said:

I don’t get such a big salary, but I cancelled another debit order and, therefore, I can give it to you, which gives me so much pleasure.

Wow, I’m speechless.

Another person witnessed about her experience with giving:

It was quite difficult for me to pay the whole 10%. But (without you realising it) God has a way of walking the road with you.  Today, I pay much more than my tithe and I don’t even feel it.

Let’s all make an effort not to make an issue of giving our time, money and talents. Let’s allow the Spirit to lead us to know where and what we should give. Let’s give with an open hand and a good heart. The world will be a different place.

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Reflection

Where can you give?

What can you give?

When can you give?

Prayer

Lord, it’s not always easy to give. There’s always something that we need or have to or want to buy for ourselves. Paul’s conversation with the Corinthians was written for us. Please help us to apply this to ourselves and learn from it. Amen