Giving to God:
The Bible’s Good News
About Living a Generous Life

  Giving to God is…

OUR DUTY AND DELIGHT

Support and Sacrifice

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a Cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Points to Ponder:

Mark Allen Powell said, “First, I believe that all responsible church members are called by God to support the congregations of which they are a part with reasonable contributions proportionate to their income and circumstances. Second, I think that receptive Christians will usually be moved by Scripture and the Spirit to go beyond providing such support to give up a further portion of their money as a sacrifice. Support & sacrifice: the first our duty; the second our delight.” Do you agree/disagree? Why/why not?

Do you have a fair understanding of what your proportionate share of support of Abiding Love’s budget might be? Do you think your current giving is appropriate?

Do you know anyone who has moved from “support” to “sacrifice” giving? Have you ever done this yourself?

What do you think about the suggestion that “pledge support” to Abiding Love be paid in a manner similar to paying bills (automatic fund transfers, checks mailed to church)? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

What do you think of the suggestion that weekly offering be viewed as an occasion for making sacrificial gifts over and above your proportionate support? Would you be able to structure your own giving along those lines?

Prayer:
Dearest Heavenly Father, you care for me and provide for my every need.  Help me to live out that promise and instill in me a fervent trust in you that I may be transformed to willingly and cheerfully give sacrificially to the ministry of Abiding Love. Amen.

Further Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2: 5-12

Abiding Love Lutheran Church • 7210 Brush Country Dr. Austin, Texas 78749 • (512) 892-4040 • (512) 892-4456 (fax)