GOD LOVES A CHEERUL GIVER

          Unlike many churches, our congregation does not badger our members about giving.  Giving is a personal matter, but it is a matter that needs our thoughtful stewardship.   With brevity (just four verses), Mark’s gospel reveals the mind of Christ on the topic of sacrificial giving (Mk.12:41-44).

(Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the multitude were putting money into the treasury; and many

rich people were putting in large sums.  And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.

And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to

the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.’

Although it is not recorded in the gospel accounts, Paul reminds us that Jesus said, “IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE”  (Acts 20:35).  One can’t help but wonder if this was a frequent saying of the Lord - - so much so that it became common knowledge among all of His followers.

          When it comes to the subject of giving, the best instruction we can offer is simply this - - let us strive to give in the way the Bible instructs.

While the tithe (10%) of the Old Testament age is never made binding on New Testament Christians, guidance is nonetheless provided.  The early disciples were directed to give on the first day of every week (1Cor.16:2).  This charge was initiated by the apostle Paul among the Gentile churches  with the specific aim of ministering to the needs of the suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (1Cor.16:3).  In 2Cor.8:3, Paul applauds the saints

in the province of Macedonia who of their own accord were giving beyond their ability.  Paul reminded them that this was the way of our Lord Jesus - - though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor… (2Cor.8:9).  A few paragraphs later (2Cor.9:5ff), Paul elevates the concept of BOUNTIFUL GIFTS:  he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.  Additionally, when we offer our gifts to God, we must give with purpose (intentionally and not haphazardly) and willingly (not under compulsion or grudgingly).  Wedged into this section of Scripture we read those now famous words of Paul:  GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER (2Cor.9:7).

                                                                                       Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ