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

Giving to God is…

HOW MUCH?

“What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?” Psalm 116:12

"For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has - not according to what one does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

Points to Ponder:

Have you ever made a cheerful sacrifice – giving in such a way that you “felt the loss” and yet you did not regret making the gift?

What do you know of and think about tithing? Do you know people who tithe? Have you ever discussed their reasons for giving? Have you ever done so yourself?

Would you like to be a person who spiritually and financially is able to give ten percent of your income to the church? Why? Would your life be different? How?

Mark Allan Powell concludes that there is no perfect formula for giving to God’s church – each individual is in different circumstances, at different points in their lives, and each person should seek God’s guidance in determining how to live a generous life. He does discuss ways to assess our own ability to be generous, and he reminds us that there is joy in benefitting others with our gifts, even if we do not see the benefits. Hospitals, universities, art museums, people who are hungry, all benefit from our generosity. Individuals and communities benefit from the continued presence of churches in their midst where God is glorified and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed.

Prayer:
Lord, we know that all we have comes from you. Please guide us to be good stewards of your generosity, and to trust that you will continue to provide for our all our true needs. Lead us to where our hearts want to be, so that our actions can take cheerful steps in that direction. Thank you for the generosity of those who preceded us and have handed to us the ministry of Abiding Love. Amen

Further Reading: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

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