Most Christians don’t really understand sacrificial giving. How can I make such a far reaching statement? Because the evidence is overwhelming. The vast majority of churches and Christian ministries are starved for money, and what’s worse, most of those called by God to serve struggle to make ends meet. It’s also no big surprise that homelessness and hunger are rampant right here in the wealthiest nation on earth! So, what’s up? I believe we’re so wealthy we simply cannot empathize with those who aren’t. The result? Those who’ve received God’s “sacrificial” grace, are really not that willing to spread the wealth. Check your church if you’re interested. If you take the total church budget and divide it by the number of “giving units” (families and adult singles), you’ll find that the average “unit” gives less than one percent of the average family income in this nation. A Biblical tithe literally means to “give ten percent” back to God’s work. Most of us are not even close. If you were able to look at the church’s financial records, you’d find something even more surprising. More than half of all the giving units will have given less than $100.00 each year… literally sitting on pews they haven’t paid for. So what’s the answer? Remember where you’d be without God’s grace, THEN give ’til it hurts. You’ll find it really IS “more blessed to give than to receive.”
“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 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 8:1-4 (Emphasis mine)
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er
Jim@JamesKilby.com
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