One of the toughest areas of the heart to renew is the one that loves money. This stronghold affects both the rich and the poor. Really, it stems from the fear of not having enough.
Just how much money is enough? If you love money, you will never know.
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
When our hearts find excuses not to give and support the ministries of God’s Word, it indicates a heart that has not yet been fully transformed by God’s love. A transformed heart does not give out of guilt but instead gives out of love, joy, and thanksgiving.
The disciples mocked the woman with the alabaster box of ointment for what they considered an extravagant waste. Some people, like the disciples, might even suggest today that there is no need to give to the Lord in such a sacrificial way. But Jesus said in response to her ministry to Him: “Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little” (Luke 7:47). Jesus was accepting her excessive sacrifice as a fruit of her love. She knew her sins were forgiven! She had been transformed by forgiveness, and that forgiveness expressed itself in extravagant giving.
The relationship we have with God relies on the depth of our understanding of His forgiveness and the new life we have received in Christ. Those whom God rescues from the greatest darkness often become quickly extravagant in their giving. Others gradually learn the full impact of their redemption and, over time, become greater givers of love and resources. When we truly know the Jesus, “who bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we having died to sin, might live for righteousness,” (1 Peter 2:24), we walk in freedom from sin and all of its unrighteousness; in joy and gratitude, we hold nothing in reserve. We give freely of our love and resources just as Jesus gave Himself for us.
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
Our giving is a spiritual sacrifice. Giving to the work of the Lord pleases Him.
What did Paul say regarding the giving of the Philippians?
“Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).
The Philippians sacrificially gave so that Paul could abound. Their gifts were not only a blessing to Paul but also blessed God. The woman with the alabaster box understood Jesus' mercy and love, and gave from a thankful heart overflowing from all she had received. When the grace of Jesus transforms your heart, you give out of gratitude and joy, and your giving is a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord.
Two days ago, I heard a minister speak on the power of a praying grandmother. The next day, the Holy Spirit quickened the first of Proverbs 13:22 in my heart.
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”
My husband and I want to leave our grandchildren more than just a financial inheritance. We want to leave them a legacy of our faith in Christ, and we pray that it will be written on their hearts.
Someone sowing seeds from a heart transformed by the love of Jesus sees their promise; they know that the Savior who transformed their heart is faithful to return their investment, good measure, pressed down, and running over (Luke 6:38).
So we give, sowing and believing that those we love, when they hear the word, shall understand and indeed bear fruit (Matthew 13:23). We give, believing without any doubt that one day we shall come again rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us (Psalm 126:6).
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