The Questions of Gving... #1

Over the next three weeks I will be discussing the topic of "Giving" on Sunday mornings during the sermon. I know that this can leave a bad taste sometimes in our mouths when we look at the need of giving in the body. In fact sometimes a preacher won't announce it ahead of time in fear that folks would decide to not come to services those Sundays because the topic of giving can be very touchy. We don't like to hear sermons on giving because maybe we don't want to be made to feel guilty, or maybe the discussion of money is unsettling, or may it's because we don't feel that giving is a real spiritual matter. If those are our feelings about sermons on giving, maybe we ought to reexamine our attitude about giving. We should view giving as a privilege, an honor, an offering of love, a willful sacrifice, a means to great spirituality, a way to show God appreciation for his blessings, my total devotion to God, and an expression of the joy we have as children of God. We might do better in our giving if didn't approach it as a duty, as a curse, as a way to control the church, as fear of not having enough for myself, and a way to express to leadership my disagreements with their decisions.
Giving is part of the Christian life. Giving is a test of faith and it is a faith strengthener. Giving allows me to worship God. Giving is a heart softener for the mission of God. Giving strengthens the soul. Giving is a spirituality definer. Giving is a continual expression of love in the Christian life. Giving strengthens commitment to God.
Jesus talked of giving and finances in three fourths of his messages and parables. How can we ignore the subject and the action of giving when it was such a priority in the message of Jesus? I pray and encourage you to seek and know God's hope for you in your giving. We will strive to answer the following questions in regard to the Christian responsibility to give. February 14th, 2010 Why Do We Give? Why Don’t We Give? February 21st, 2010 What Do We Give? How Much Do We Give? February 28th, 2010 What Is My Attitude When I Give? What Will Happen When I Give?