BENEFITS OF OFFERING III
Luke 6:27-38
Today we are closing on our treatise on Understanding offerings. It is our hope that, having followed the teaching this far, your eyes of understanding had been enlightened and your resolve to obey God and give and/or pay as you should has been strengthened. In the last two readings, we dwelt on the benefits of offerings. Today we conclude by adding a few more.
When done rightly, offering frees us from the power of materialism. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21 remind us that where we invest our resources reveals what truly matters to us. Our possessions and money hold a certain power over us. By giving them away, even a portion, we demonstrate that our true “treasure” lies in our relationship with God and the things of heaven, which are eternal. Our money and materials no longer hold us captive. Rather we own them and send them on errands. Furthermore, when we give to causes that align with God’s will, such as helping the poor, spreading the gospel, or supporting ministries, we are actively participating in His work on earth. This reflects a heart that is more focused on God’s kingdom than on earthly possessions. Giving can also be a form of self-examination. Are we clinging too tightly to material things? By letting go and sharing our resources, we can break free from the grip of materialism and find deeper fulfillment.
In Malachi 3:10-12 we are presented with a powerful image of God’s generosity in response to our giving. God invites us to bring our tithes and offerings, essentially testing His faithfulness to provide for us when we give generously. Doing this will give us overflowing Blessing. The promise is not just of provision, but of an abundance that overflows. God promises to open the “windows of heaven” and pour out blessings “until there is no room to receive” them. So giving is an antidote for scarcity. This imagery challenges the mindset of scarcity. By giving, we demonstrate trust in God’s abundant provision and open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings than we can imagine.
Finally, consider our text today. Jesus encourages us to give to the Lord and all we can reach, including our enemies. He concluded his teaching with verse 38:
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again
MEDITATE on this and improve your offering life.
