In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Giving Out of Need -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
In elementary school, we learned how to subtract: take away, and you have less than when you started. Contrary to the laws of mathematics, God tells us that when we give, we will receive even more in return. "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return" (Luke 6:38).
God's design for giving requires that we depend on His revelation rather than our reason. Logic would check the bank account before deciding how much is available to tithe. The Bible, however, states that all wealth belongs to the Lord and we are to give back to Him the first fruits of our labor (Deuteronomy 10:14; 18:4-5). When we obey, we trust Him to take care of us--which sometimes means choosing to ignore what makes sense, humanly speaking. God doesn't always provide in the manner we expect or hope. Instead, He satisfies our needs and blesses in the way He knows will truly be best for us.
When facing hard financial circumstances, we can be tempted to justify hoarding our resources. But God, who understands the situation perfectly, requires that we give not simply out of our surplus, but out of our need. The Macedonian church, for example, gave generously even while experiencing affliction (2 Corinthians 8:2). This pleased the Lord because they were giving in faith.
Ask God what He would like you to give. Pray for the courage to obey. Then eagerly await His blessings.
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Giving Out of Need -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
In elementary school, we learned how to subtract: take away, and you have less than when you started. Contrary to the laws of mathematics, God tells us that when we give, we will receive even more in return. "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return" (Luke 6:38).
God's design for giving requires that we depend on His revelation rather than our reason. Logic would check the bank account before deciding how much is available to tithe. The Bible, however, states that all wealth belongs to the Lord and we are to give back to Him the first fruits of our labor (Deuteronomy 10:14; 18:4-5). When we obey, we trust Him to take care of us--which sometimes means choosing to ignore what makes sense, humanly speaking. God doesn't always provide in the manner we expect or hope. Instead, He satisfies our needs and blesses in the way He knows will truly be best for us.
When facing hard financial circumstances, we can be tempted to justify hoarding our resources. But God, who understands the situation perfectly, requires that we give not simply out of our surplus, but out of our need. The Macedonian church, for example, gave generously even while experiencing affliction (2 Corinthians 8:2). This pleased the Lord because they were giving in faith.
Ask God what He would like you to give. Pray for the courage to obey. Then eagerly await His blessings.
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