Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), and His life was one dedicated to that very end. God the Father “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
What examples both God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, set for all those who follow their calling to God’s way of life. Giving is demonstrated by God’s actions, and His Word is replete with examples. They set the standard in giving, and we are to follow that lead in our own lives.
When Paul addressed the Aeropagus, he spoke about the attributes of God when he said: “Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything since He gives to all life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25).
We have been taught in the Church, for decades, that there are two ways of life – that of the “give” way and that of the “get” way. But how giving are we?
We know that there are many that receive from us our weekly Update either by e-mail or a hard copy through the post, our monthly letters, sermon tapes and CD’s, new booklets and other material. But it does take money to keep giving away, free of charge, all of this material to all who ask—and far too many recipients outside the Church seem to take our service of love for granted.
Church members, inevitably, understand the principles of tithing and giving. Perhaps it never enters the minds of those who have received material from us for years that we rely on such income to be able to continue to give. Some, of course, may just not be able to give due to difficult financial circumstances. But for those who are serious about God’s way of life and who are capable of paying their share in the proclamation of the gospel, giving is a must.
How are we doing? Do we practice the give way? If so, then Scripture tells us that we are only doing what we ought to do. “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say: ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done that was our duty to do’” (Luke 17:10). If we are not practicing the give way, then it is time to reconsider our approach. We are responsible for the knowledge that we have been given!
