Romans 12:8: He who gives, with liberality.
Next is the grace of giving: “If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously” (v. 8b). “Generously” should be translated “with simplicity.” This refers to our motive in giving. Those who have this gift are to exercise it without ulterior motives or hidden purposes, simply out of love. This is where Ananias and Sapphira failed. When we give, it is to be simply to the glory of God and to meet the needs of brothers and sisters in Christ in the world. A pastor under whom I served for years had a man in his congregation who gave only once a year—$10 which he placed in the pastor’s hand saying, “This is for the church.” He wanted to make sure he got credit for his generous gift! 1
Application
- Do you support your home church with faithful, regular giving?
- We are all called to give, but do you have the gift of giving? If so, you would be looking for opportunities to give. Givers are not usually extremely wealthy people. They are people who trust God, therefore they are able to give above and beyond, knowing God will continue to give them more to give.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your resources never run dry.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.