Series: A New Kind of Giving
Much of Jesus' teaching concerned the area of giving, for it deals with one of the basic issues of heart-motivation. Having a proper attitude as a foundation, Jesus emphasised that:
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Luke 12:33-34 (see also verses 16-21; 16:13-15; Matthew 6:19-21; 19:16-24).
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing�" Matthew 6:2-3.
"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything ...'" Mark 12:41-44.
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" Luke 6:38 (see also Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24-25).Jesus constantly stressed that the motive behind the giving was far more important than the actual amount given. He pointed out that there are eternal rewards in heaven, but that if we give with the motive of getting back - either in praise or increase in riches, here or in eternity - we are still expressing nothing more than the character of the world. The lifestyle of giving in God's kingdom is selfless. The act of blessing others is reward enough.
"All believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need...No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had" Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32.This basic attitude amongst the early Christians laid the foundation for every practical expression of giving that was later to come - that everything ultimately belongs to God.
"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints" 2 Corinthians 8:1-4.
"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need" Ephesians 4:28.
"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need...Therefore show these men the proof of your love..." 2 Corinthians 8:14,24 (see also verses 7-15; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 1 John 3:17-18).
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19 (see also 1 Timothy 6:17, Hebrews 13:5-6).[PREVIOUS] [UP] [HOME] [WORLDSCOPE] [FEEDBACK] [POST OFFICE] [RANDOM] [SEARCH]
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