THE RIGHT ATTITUDE IN GIVING TO SUPPORT GOD’S WORK

 

By Gavin Aleogho 

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.  2 Corinthians 8:12.

We can’t deny the fact that the propagation of the gospel of Christ demands finances and material resources. It is expected that the believers, those who have tasted of the grace of life should be at the forefront in shouldering the responsibility of supporting God’s work with the resources they’ve been blessed with from a willing heart.

When it comes to giving to support God’s work, many believers are skeptical because of the exploitation of God’s people and the vast abuse of resources given in this regard by some unfaithful stewards in some circles.

The fact that abuse and financial misappropriation abounds in this regard does not negate the fact that giving to support God’s work is scriptural and should be encouraged.

There is blessing for every giving and this includes giving to support the propagation of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) confirms this truth: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

However, we should outgrow the mindset of giving to get blessed by God, for we cannot manipulate God to bless us through giving. Our primary aim of giving should be motivated by love for God and love for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

This was the attitude that Abel had. Abraham also portrayed this attitude when he gave a tenth of the spoil to Melchizedek. He didn’t give to get blessed per se, but he did that in appreciation to the Lord Almighty who gave him the victory. (Ref: Genesis 14:18-19).

We should be aware that it is a sign of irresponsibility on our part to expect unbelievers, to come and support the work of God which we are responsible to. The responsibility is on our shoulders to ensure that we move the work of God forward with all resources that God has given us. It is a great privilege that we should always embrace with cheerfulness.

However, WE SHOULD DO THIS NOT BY COMPULSION OR MANIPULATION. OUR GIVING SHOULD BE DONE BASED ON WHAT WE HAVE AND NOT WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE, if it must be appreciated and accepted by God. This should be our attitude in giving to support God’s work.

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

"For if the intention and desire are there, the size of the gift doesn’t matter. Your gift is fully acceptable to God according to what you have, not what you don’t have." 2 Corinthians 8:12 TPT

Love for God and love to see the work of God move forward should be the primary reason why we give. If you are having difficulty parting with your resource to support the propagation of the gospel of Christ, you can ask the Lord to give you the grace and work on your heart to be a generous individual.