GIVING IS A DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE FOR GOD AND HUMANITY

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

Mark 12:41-44 NLT “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts.  Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.  Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.  For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on."

     This scripture shows Jesus’ interest in the way we give towards missionary work. He stood with His disciples before the offering box with a clear view of how much each person gave; showing us the importance of human agents in the receiving of offerings. Heb 7:8 NIV says  “… the tenth is collected by men who die;…” God's messengers are symbols of authority through which we demonstrate our love for Him.
    One would expect Jesus to have told the poor widow to keep her money but that would be contrary to His loving nature in man. Love increases our sense of self-worth. We were created by love; to be loved and to love. That’s why whenever a person is deprived of the opportunity to share love like in a divorce or breakup, the impact can be very devastating. We are defined by our acts of love, this is more visible among women; they are natural caregivers; committing  more into a love relationship than men do.   

   It is against this backdrop that depriving persons the opportunity to give offerings accentuates their sense of low self -esteem. Giving is a demonstration of how rich a person is in spirit . That’s why Jesus’ appraisal of the widow’s offering was higher than others. God measures the difficulty a person has to go through to give . She gave her all. The true value of a person’s offering ;be it time, skills, money is measured by the intensity of love for God and humanity. This should be the driving force behind all acts of giving.

        This was demonstrated by the churches of Macedonia  ,  2 Cor 8:2-4 NIV says “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.” This very poor church was so rich in love that they pleaded with the preacher to receive their offering. This is the highest demonstration of generosity .They saw giving as a loving devotion to God and humanity. Verse 5 says 2 Cor 8:5 NIV  “ And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” They gave themselves as living sacrifice to God and to the service of humanity through God’s symbol of authority -in this case Apostle Paul ( see Rom. 12:1) .

     I once told my congregation that as proof that I was not preaching for money I was not going to receive offerings for two months. After the second week I noticed members became very depressed, at the end of church service some followed me home pleading that I received their offerings  because they were not convinced that I truly loved them without receiving their offerings, and so we resumed offerings. Giving offerings and tithes is a demonstration of our love for God, humanity and faith is for godly service , we should request details from our pastors on how best to fulfill this ministry especially when distance is a problem.  

As you receive Jesus Christ as lord and savior and read this now receive healing for your emotional pains and an overflow in your resources in Jesus name.

Free prayer/counseling +2348035536911, +2348098536911 email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com