What Jesus Wants You to Know About Giving

After a week of Thanksgiving, we now embark on the season for buying gifts! Over the next month, giving gifts will be on our minds. Jesus had more to say about giving than we usually think – and as we plan to give to each other, we ought to consider what He said about giving to God.

• Giving is between you and God (Matt 6:1-4)


• Handling of material wealth reflects spiritual health (Matt 6:19-24)


• The heart, not the amount, is important to God (Luke 21:1-4)


• Freely giving is a response to freely receiving (Matt 10:8)


• Great blessing is God’s reward for great giving (Luke 6:38)


• Great giving is a reflection of great love (Luke 7:36-47) 

"…for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jesus, Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:21 
 
For those who desire to obey Jesus’ teaching in their handling of money, and particularly their giving, the following Scriptures and questions are provided as a guide for your consideration.

1. Read Matthew 6:1-4. The idea of reward and even repayment is woven into Jesus’ teaching; the key issue is where we want our rewards – from men now, or from God later. For greater perspective, read 1 Cor 4:5 and 2 Cor 5:10.



2. Read Matthew 6:19-24. The desire to acquire as much money and possessions as possible in this life is terribly short-sighted, and reflects earthly priorities. For additional perspective, read Proverbs 23:4 and 1 Timothy 6:6-11.



3. Read Luke 21:1-4. Jesus here highlights a truth which applies to every part of our lives. God sees our hearts (motives and desires); He is not impressed with amounts. For added insight, read 1 Samuel 16:7 and Micah 6:6-8.



4. Read Matthew 10:8 and Luke 7:36-37. When we realize that all we possess – including life, material things, and eternal life – is from God, it irrevocably affects our love for God, and our giving to God. Has it affected yours?

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