LENT Three areas are crucial to self-denial during Lent. The first is giving. Jesus mentions alms-giving (giving to the needy) as one of the “acts of righteousness” (Matthew 6:1). And He warns against calling attention to one’s giving (Matthew 6:2-4). “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward,” (Matthew 10:42) Obedience to commands to give can be a mere outward exercise. In giving, like in every other spiritual discipline, we must be careful so we do not merely give in order to feel good, to impress others with our generosity or in order to gain God’s favor. Giving is to be voluntary: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (1 Corinthians 8:6-7). God’s standard for giving is that it is sacrificial. Paul commends The believers at Macedonia for doing so: “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” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). Peter Marshall makes a very important point with the statement, If we first give ourselves, then giving our money will be easy. Paul points out that this is exactly what the believers did at the churches in Macedonia: “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” (2 Corinthians 8:5). The generosity of these Christians is an impressive example of God’s grace and love to the Corinthian believers and to us all. The greatest reward in giving is that it enlarges our heart and helps us to become less selfish and self-centered.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:12:17 +0000