Sabbath: Offerings of Gratitude
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Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 6:19-21; Eph. 2:8; 1 Pet. 4:10; Luke 7:37-47; 2 Cor. 8:8-15; 2 Cor. 9:6-7.
Memory Text: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV).
Our God is a giving God; this great truth is seen most powerfully in the sacrifice of Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). Or in this verse: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13, NKJV).
God gives and gives; it’s His character. Thus, we who seek to reflect that character need to give as well. It’s hard to imagine more of a contradiction in terms than that of “a selfish Christian.”
One way to give back what we have been given is through offerings. Our offerings present an opportunity to express gratitude and love. On the day that Jesus welcomes the redeemed into heaven we will see those who accepted His grace, and realize that those acceptances were made possible by our sacrificial offerings.
This week we will look at important aspects of offerings. Giving generously, whether from means, time, or talent, is a powerful means of living our faith and revealing the character of the God whom we serve.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 3.
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This introductory comment is basically one question. Are the texts and comments given in the lesson quarterly for this week applicable to everyone? I know that we are all different. We live in and around different situations, and we want to be led by a merciful God in all of our decisions. It would then seem that our thoughts and actions should be independent.
My thoughts in response to your question Paul...
On the one hand, where the texts and comments are referring to principles (especially where these principles are those that represent core elements of how reality works), it is more likely that they are applicable to the many.
On the other hand, where the texts and comments are referring to applications of principles, it is more likely that they are context-dependent and therefore applicable to those who find themselves within such a context and not so much to those who are find themselves within a different context.
You are correct in suggesting that, under God, there is both unity and diversity. The Bible is full of examples of this - though if people don't understand this, they instead (mistakenly) see the Bible as being contradictory.
There is a sentence in today's lesson that seems oddly inconsistent with the rest of the content. That sentence is: "On the day that Jesus welcomes the redeemed into heaven we will see those who accepted His grace, and realize that those acceptances were made possible by our sacrificial offerings".
I would propose that such a realisation would be one of the furthest things from our mind. Why? If you think carefully about it, in order to have such a thought (the way it was presented in the sentence), there has to be some degree of self-focus present. Although to a very subtle and almost undetectable degree, this suggestion contains a sense that "I had something to do with that outcome". While it is true that you did, it is the awareness of such that is problematic. Please follow carefully and I will try to explain further.
Today's lesson emphasises the giving character of God - and Ellen White affirms this in Desire of Ages pgs 20 & 21 where she elaborates under the term/concept of beneficence. Ellen White explains that beneficence is both the CORE of God's character and the CORE underpinning principle that makes life possible (ie "the law of life"). Infact, the history of our earth since Genesis 3 is evidence that even the most minor (or even seemingly insignificant) departure from living in harmony with this principle of beneficence really screws things up!
What does all this mean? True beneficence - and hence true giving - gives for NO return and therefore is incapable of even the remotest amount of 'satisfaction' that 'I had something to do with that'. While it is true that genuine beneficence results in a feeling of joy within the giver, that joy is 100% based on witnessing the benefits to the other. It is a 100% 'outward-focused' joy. Similarly, whilst the giver is also likely have a sense of joy for the privilege of being able to be involved in blessing the other, again this is a 100% 'outward-focused' sense that is consequently incapable of having even the hint of a sense that I had something to do with that. Can you begin to get the sense of the depth and purity of that kind of giving?
Whilst some may think I am being picky or pedantic (and possibly even 'perfectionistic'), I would point out that Satan's strategy has often been to use the most subtle entry point to contaminate the purity of any phenomena that makes up the Kingdom of God. The most subtle departure is all that it takes to 'contaminate' something and ruin it - and it makes it so much easier for that 'contamination' to go undetected!
Phil, well said. I think there may have been some missing intensions in the comment about reaching heaven by our offering. Further opinion is perhaps unneeded
While I agree with the principle you outline on beneficience or more specifically, altruism in our acts of kindness, giving, and sacrifice, I see no departure, subtle or otherwise, in the author’s comments you cited. You do reference the joy someone will experience when they see the fruits of their labor and sacrificial giving, i.e, the souls admitted into the kindom of God. The anticipation of this joyful experience is not to be shunned, or downplayed as a driver or motivation for our missionary efforts and giving practices here or earth.
In fact, Jesus tells us that we are not to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth but in heaven. Given that the only thing we can take to heaven from this earth is a righteous character, we should certainly invest in our own and help others to do the same. To behold ourselves in heaven, and the souls for whom we have labored is a joy consistent with God’s will, and is an experience that He wants us to partake in no less than the angels who rejoice over one sinner who repents.
Daniel gives us a glimpse into the glory and joy of the redeemed when they see the fruits of their labor. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:2-3.
Again, I don’t see any dilution in altruism in relishing the reward of seeing souls saved due in part to the sacrifices we make in our time, money, other means.
Giving for no return? What does that mean? God created all things for His pleasure(joy), just as we give our time and effort to plant a garden to reap its bounties which bring us joy/pleasure as well and health and strength. We give to see others relieved of pressing want and to see others saved from sin so they may enjoy the blessings of eternal life, which brings the giver joy as well. Is this not a "return"? How is this self-focused? When others are uplifted and saved, how can this not affect us? All heaven rejoices with pleasure/joy when a sinner repents, and angels of God work for the salvation of souls with whom they will dwell with forever with joyful communion and united praising of God.
Can one give without any hope of such joyful return? Yes, if they give grudgingly out of "duty" only. We can see why God loves cheerful givers can't we? HE is a cheerful giver Himself. Jesus gave Himself "for the joy that was set before Him" in seeing sinners restored. Just imagine that day when Jesus sees Adam restored to his Eden home clothed in light once more, along with all his family who are redeemed from sin and death! "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:"(Ps 53:11).
I can fully understand what the lesson states about this future joy that will be ours. I will go further and state that in that day, our greatest sacrifice will no longer seem like a sacrifice, but a privilege. Can we feel that way today? Of course, for this is what makes the giver cheerful. It is the focus on others(which you pointed out Phil) that brings the joy to the giver, who never forgets that God is the fount of every blessing.
What can Satan do to ruin this, unless we remain open to his temptations? Those controlled by him will not be cheerful givers and never see the joy that heaven will reveal to Christ and all who love Him.
Thanks for your feedback Chris and Robert.
What I am coming to learn of is the existence of a giving that is motivated exclusively by the hope of the benefits that will be experienced by the other. And on this basis alone, it is motivated - and cheerfully so (ie, not grudgingly).
Absolutely, there is inherent joy experienced by the giver. However, this joy comes as a natural - but not sought after - 'byproduct'! And I would not shun or downplay this joy - but I would say it "does" not (as opposed to saying it "should" not be) function as a driver/motivation.
It is exactly this experience that I believe was the experience of Jesus leading him to the cross (Heb 12:2; Isa 53:11 as per Robert's post). It is pure other-centeredness.
Again, I am not trying to be pedantic for the sake of being pedantic. Neither am I trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. I certainly do not want to put up a "stumbling block". I am only trying to share a view of something that I believe actually exists and that God will grow us ever closer towards in His progressive restoration of us back to Christlikeness.
Is true though that our offerings make it possible for the good news of the gospel to be told to those who would otherwise never have been able to hear the goodnews of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is free. But it cost to diseminate it. Even Christ disciples had an expense account, albeit it was a direct free will offering of those that opened up there home to them.
Phil, I can relate to what you are saying. There are so many subtle ways self can be brought into this picture, and I'm sure such will never occur in Heaven.
There are a couple of other aspects of this as well. The first is that such a statement can be used as motivational, even guilt producing, which is completely wrong. It is very difficult to discuss the topic of stewardship without laying on guilt trips. The quarterly has downplayed it, but not completely avoided it.
Further, there are serious theological implications of "would not have been there otherwise". Beyond laying a guilt trip of what can happen if I'm not a faithful steward, it would be grossly unfair of God towards such a person for Him to say, "I'm so sorry, but Ken didn't give enough money for Bob to come tell you about salvation, so you did not accept me and now must die eternally". God isn't dependent on us for others. But He does give us the opportunity to give and to serve, and to "enter into the joy of our Lord".
Well said Wilton.
Invitation is a much healthier motivator than guilt, etc. Guess which one God uses?
I believe God meets us where we are. That means He uses all sorts of motivation - fear of punishment and hopes of rewards among others. It is the Holy Spirit who makes us feel guilty for our sins, including our sins of omission, and that healthy guilt drives us to Christ and motivates us to righteous action.
My years of teaching have taught me that not all persons can be motivated the same way. For instance, children who have been indulged by their parents and not properly disciplined are not often motivated by love and kindness. They simply regard this as weakness and need a different kind of motivation - something that makes life painful, inconvenient or "not fun." It is only when they learn to appreciate and respect rules that they can even understand kindness. (Painful discipline is actually a a part of loving them, but they don't see it as such initially.) The same differences as are evident in children exist also in adults. God knows this, and He uses various motivations to meet us where we are.
Hi Inge
Thanks for your feedback. We could have a longer conversation about this topic if we ever meet one day.
Whichever will help the sinner to see his own need and learn to love as God loves. Read Deut 28 and realize why God uses every incentive possible, which for sinners, includes the reality(threat) of the ruin they would bring upon themselves.
What incentive did God give to Adam and Eve concerning the forbidden tree?
The prodigal only returned home to get a servant's meal. It was not out of love for his father whom he had left and all but forgot about. Yet, it was this selfish need that allowed him to see that all he ever could hope to find had always been there, and he had failed to see it. The father didn't care WHY the son returned, and rejoiced with celebration because he HAD returned, now with open eyes and receptive heart.
Christ's method is to reach in whatever way will save a lost soul. Matt 5 sounds nothing like Matt 23, yet it is the same call for each to "repent and believe the gospel" from the same loving Savior of all.
Hi Robert
Thanks too for your feedback which encourages me to reflect and re-check my thoughts further.
Deut 28 is actually one of my favourite passages and one that I refer to frequently because it illustrates an important aspect of God's orientation towards us as humans. As I see it, Deut 28 is God giving humanity the information (educating them as to cause-effect reality) to enable Israel to make an informed choice - and then passionately inviting them to choose life. And this is the same principle behind the Greek word "entole" which we misperceive as "commandment" when 'commendment' would be a closer translation - outlining the principles that, if followed, lead to a favourable outcome and those that, if followed, lead to an unfavourable outcome.
Then too there is Romans 1:18 where Paul talks about the "wrath of God" that is being poured out. In Rom 1:24, 26, 28 Paul then goes on to 'specify' how God displays 'wrath' (a mostly misunderstood concept). Three times Paul says that God "gave them up/over" to the inherent consequences of the path they had chosen. Very different concept to the punishment that people think God hands out. Paul is clear - God does not punish. Paul understood that God doesn't need to punish (beside it being out of harmony with his nature - but entirely consistent with Satan's nature: see DA 761.4, second sentence) because sin inherently punishes all by itself - it is sin's nature. This is why Paul was able to say that the"wages" of sin (as opposed to the punishment for sin) is death.
Why do I outline these points? Because they (along with further examples that I could present but that would take up much more space) appear to be evidence that converges to present a picture of a God who only uses motivations that are both (a) "beneficent" in nature, and (b) delivered in a beneficent manner.
I would invite you to do some reading up on the nature of guilt - including guilt as a state and guilt as a feeling - and also speak with a lot of people who suffer from guilt. You will find that it does not produce healthy change. There is a small proportion of instances where it may appear that guilt has resulted in healthy growth for the person - but you will find that while guilt may have been part of the initial experience, it was infact personal conviction that became the motivation to healthy change. 'Carrot' motivations result in healthy growth and change - 'stick' motivations, while resulting in behavioral conformity, do not result in healthy growth and change. This is because 'co-ercion' incites rebellion - and therefore why it is not part of God's method of government/kingdom (Ellen White understood this):
"The kingdom of Christ does not and cannot bear any resemblance to the kingdoms of the world. In the kingdom of Christ there is no instrument of coercion. In it force has no place. The gospel of Him who gave His life for the life of the world is a gospel of peace. It is the Saviour’s grace, His love, His tender compassion, that breaks every barrier down. The gospel is a power of itself, above all and encompassing all. It is a divine, immutable principle, as well-spring fed by the stream that flows from the throne of God". {21MR 152.4}
Phil, in all that you wrote in your reply, I think you forgot to answer my direct question. I fully understand how the world's methods are often applied to avoid hurting feelings, but what great harm is the result.
Also, you have hardly touched on Deut 28 and it's greater purpose in helping sinners find the path of righteousness. I have no problem with the purpose of guilt that sin brings upon the sinner. Yes, there is unhealthy and counterproductive guilt, but that does not come from God.
Not sure why your are addressing an issue that no one is advocating in this discussion. We are discussing how God motivates sinners to seek repentance and to believe the gospel. No one is discussing or advocating coercion.
I'm certain you are aware of the book of Jonah? What was the incentive which Jonah presented to that wicked city, and what were the results?(Perhaps we need more Jonahs in our churches? Or watchmen who understand Ezekiel 33.) As you reconsider that narrative, consider also the infinite wisdom of God who knows every heart and loves every sinner enough to send His Son to propitiate for their sin. He also in His infinite wisdom and unspeakable love sent Jonah to Nineveh with a solemn message to save "more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle.
I guess we see things differently. And that is ok.
With regard to the forbidden tree, Duet 28, and Jonah - as I see it, they all display God's same core method of motivation - letting us know what inherent consequences will happen if we follow option A and what inherent consequences will happen if we follow option B. God also encourages us to take the option that leads to life - but if we choose against that, He lets us go to follow the path of our choosing and its consequences.
My reason for raising the issue of coercion is because of suggestion that God may use guilt/guilty feelings as a motivator. However, guilt is a coercive motivator and therefore one that I do not believe God uses.
This is just my perspective that I offer in the name of healthy discussion...
Phil, much of your argument regarding guilt depends on your definition. You define guilt as being inherently coercive. But guilt still leaves a person free to choose and is thus not coercive in that aspect. It is also not a threat but in an individual with a healthy conscience, it comes from the conviction of sin. Jesus does not want us to labor under a load of guilt. But His way is not to do away with the conviction of sin that produces guilt. His way is to forgive the sin. But His forgiveness is blocked if sinners to not recognize/acknowledge their sin.
As I have mentioned in another comment, the Holy Spirit convicts persons of sin, and this produces healthy guilt which is relieved by repentance, confession and forgiveness.
In another place, I read that
Psychology's way is to do away with the guilt by doing away with the sin that causes it. It says there is no sin and thus no guilt. Christ's way is to offer forgiveness freely.
I trust that none of us will fall into the trap of buying into secular psychology's teaching that guilt is wrong. Rather let us teach the real way of getting rid of the burden of guilt - taking it to Jesus who says that His burden is very light indeed, in comparison. (Matt 11:30)
Phil, you mention the negative effects of guilt. There is truth to that - especially regarding unhealthy guilt. However, there is also a feeling of healthy guilt - feeling guilty when we have done something wrong. That's what a "guilty conscience" is all about. It is intended to help us seek forgiveness and thus get rid of guilt. And if we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, it drives us back to Jesus who freely forgives.
The current psychological view is that all guilt is harmful. Thus psychology has done away with the sin as a source of guilt. Unfortunately even some Christian psychologists have fallen for aspects of this ploy. While they may not do away with sin per se, they have accepted the notion that guilt is bad.
The Holy Spirit impresses us with a sense of guilt when we have violated God's Law. When we respond to this by faith, as intended, the guilt is washed away by forgiveness.
Now there's unhealthy guilt - feeling guilty for something over which we had no control. (Children or even adults who have been molested often feel guilty. But that is unhealthy guilt.) Sometimes controlling people try to manipulate others by making them feel guilty over not doing something the controller wants them to do. That is unhealthy guilt. And there are many more examples. I'm not a psychologist, so I don't have these examples in my head.
However, I have certainly seen the motivating power of healthy guilt. It caused our children to confess their misdeeds and seek forgiveness - just like it should cause us to seek forgiveness from the Lord. Healthy guilt causes people to turn themselves in to the police when the wrong person is charged. And I'm sure our readers could come up with many more examples of what healthy guilt can do. So the notion that all guilt is bad is quite wrong.
Here's an example of something that happened shortly after Pentecost. Remember how the disciples were empowered to preach the gospel and thousands were converted in a day? Ellen White includes this thought:
Robert, I put the emphasis where I did because I have seen way too many times the damage caused by well meaning, but misguided watchmen. Probably half my fellow students in Academy, almost fifty years ago, are not Adventists today (many not even Christians of any kind) because of it.
Inge, in regard to good and bad guilt, good guilt always comes from the Holy Spirit. Bad guilt from humans. When we take upon ourselves God's job, we botch it. It is true that God csn and does use humans as messengers at times, but I would suggest that any time a person gives a guilt ridden message that God did not personally, individually tell them to, it isn't goid guilt and God had no part in it.
None of us is perfect, and what we regard as wrong just might happen to be just our own opinion. In addition, we (unlike God) do not know the circumstances and can easily come to wrong conclusions and do more harm than good.
Thanks, Wilton. I agree completely with all parts of your comment.
Hi Inge
Thanks again for your responses.
Yes, you are spot on - much/all of the perspective I am offering regarding guilt is based upon my conception/definition of guilt.
In essence, you and I are to a large degree on the same page conceptually - though we each use different terms and see some of the more detailed aspects differently. I absolutely agree that God uses conviction as a motivator to constructive change/repentance. Hence I would say that God uses conviction as opposed to guilt. But I see that for you this also represents 'healthy guilt' - and I would not try to change that view for you.
I hope that any readers who have followed our exchanges see a spirit of healthy discussion between us - rather than a spirit of arguing. I am sure we are both motivated by 2 Tim 2:15 in the thoughts we present. Thus, neither of us is writing for the sake of 'being right', but because we each want to explore truth on a topic that has significant impact on people.
God continue to bless you in your work within this forum...
Phil
Thanks, Phil. I very much appreciate your spirit. Healthy discussion can bring out aspects of truth that we would not otherwise see. As the wise man said,
(I've always understood that text to refer to healthy discussion. 🙂 )
Wilton, do I understand you correctly to mean that my slackness in seeking the lost will not result in others perishing in their sins because of my unfaithfulness? That my service is only for my benefit?
What do you do with Ezekiel 33?
Yes, I don't believe God would allow someone to be lost because I didn't listen to Him. That would be totally unfair to that person and would give Satan a justifiable argument. God has other ways, plan Bs that don't depend on a particular person. He could, and occasionally does, use angels, but chooses to use us so we can share in His joy. Of course one who consistently ignores or rejects God's direction, will suffer the consequences of that choice.
As for Ez 33, it is a difficult passage. I've has pastors use it to justify their messages of condemnation. But Ezekial is a specific case, and nowhere else in the Bible is the watchman motif used like that. Ezekial was asked to deliver the final warning to Judah before God used Nebchadnezzar to dismantle their nation. I believe that God knew the message would be basically ignored, but as a piece of the great controversy, He did not leave open the argument that they had not been warned. With that setting in mind He gives Exekial the assignment in very strongly worded terms. The point wasn't really that these people's lives were in Ezekial's hands--they didn't respond to his message anyway--but that he would be held accountable for their decision if he failed to do what God asked.
Part of the incidiusness of missapplying this text is that the warning was delivered along with the specific message to that specific audience. Especially when one realizes that no other messenger in the entirety of Bible history was given that same warning, I believe it is a misunderstanding to use it to justify otherwise ungodlike messages of comdemnation, as I have seen some do.
Is that all you see there Wilton? Are we not our brother's keeper? What then is the purpose of the 3 angels messages for this present time? I believe Ezekiel 33 speaks to every servant of God concerning their fellow man and the great privilege and accountability God will require of all. Do you know that medical professionals are in some places required by law to act when there is a need they are aware of? Doesn't Ezekiel 33 reveal how God will hold accountable those who hold the truth? Why do you believe Paul felt himself a debtor to his fellow man from every nation and walk of life?
I believe that the true servant of God considers sinners in the same manner as God demonstrated through Christ, and does not need this chapter to urge them to faithfulness, but this chapter exists for those who might be tempted to pass by on the other side of life's road, leaving others to perish in sin, wounded sorely by the enemy of God and man. Will God look lightly upon such unprofitable servants?
Read again Matt 25.
FYI, Ezekiel 33 does not give license for condemning sermons or faultfinding. It actually encourages the actions seen in the good Samaritan toward the wounded stranger. I find nothing difficult in this chapter, only that which is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.
I agree with your suggestion. Our righteousness is like filthy rags and as people who are saved we will thank God for all he has done to us by sending Jesus Christ not self ratification
I think we can over-analyze and miss the blessings God has for us. If we truly love our family and neighbors, we will be absolutely delighted to see them in heaven, knowing that we had something to do with them being there. There is nothing "selfish" about it, unless you want to impute selfishness to Christ Himself "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb 12:2 Notice that the joy of seeing the results of His sacrifice was what motivated Christ. It should motivate us as well. I believe that we should do all in our power to ensure that as many as possible within our sphere of influence, including the influence of our material goods, will enjoy the salvation that Christ has provided.
Hi Inge
Thanks again for the feedback to ponder.
Yes, it is entirely the case that if analysis goes beyond what is actually in existence, it is over-analysis and can result in missing the blessings God has for us. However, it is also the case that if analysis does not see all that is there, then it is under-analysis which also results in missing the blessings God has for us.
My reason for my original post was to spark a glimpse of a purity of giving that (a) I believe (based on bible study) God displays, and (b) via invitation to be partakers of the divine nature, we too are invited to grow and manifest.
My aim was therefore not to miss a blessing, but to amplify the blessings that are on offer via such giving. This is why I included the question: "Can you begin to get the sense of the depth and purity of that kind of giving?" in my post.
Again, we could have a longer conversation about these things (eg unpacking Heb 12:2) one day...
For the past several months I have not been working. Things has been very hard, rent backing up, bills etc, luckily I am by myself (not by choice) but not night have I gone to bed hungry Praise God from whom all blessings flow. This strikes me because I am thinking, what is I never have to think about how the next rent or bill is going to be paid would I care to give God thanks for giving His Son in my stead? Good news! last week the Lord provided some money and from that I return His portion with an offering. In today's lesson I've discovered that the reason I should give is because God has given! And He is inviting us to be partakers of His divine nature
Hi Ronald
You hilight a very important point in your last sentence that hasn't received the attention it needs in the conversations about stewardship. Through practicing Godly stewardship (including Godly giving) we (progressively) become partakers of the divine nature. And that is precisely the nature that needs to be re-developed within us in order to, once again, be compatible with abundant-eternal life. This re-creation of the divine nature within us is the robe (ie, charcter) of Christ's righteousness.
In the second paragraph this is an interesting statement by the commentator. "On the day that Jesus welcomes the redeemed into heaven, we will see those who accepted His grace, and realize that those acceptances were made possible by our sacrificial offerings.”
He is saying to have to EARNED SALVATION in order to heaven and then boast about it?
I don't see it that way Tau. I see it as I expect it will be seen by the redeemed on that blessed day, that they were blessed to have even a small part in helping others to be saved as they had been helped by others themselves. God gives us the privilege to be involved in helping others to find eternal life, and on that day all will recognize the blessing that was theirs in this life, and God will be praised.
Jesus is going to welcome every redeemed soul with "Well done...!" The only thing we did well was surrender to Him. The rest is accomplished in us by being filled with His Spirit, and all will recognize that by laying their crowns of victory at His feet.
I don't see the author saying anything about having "earned salvation." I believe he is saying that we will share in the joy of Christ in seeing the results of His sacrifice and our own efforts in behalf of those in our sphere of influence. See Heb 12:2
I agree with Robert, we need to emulate and passon to others what God does to us. Yes we become happy and fulfilled because of the death of christ,hence we need to do likewise to others in need for them see the light that will lead them to salvation. Cheerful giving saves lives and bring joy to many.
Jesus Christ our Lord influences every newly born Christian with His character of giving. This is evident from the onset of our Christian relationship as by His love He gives us forgiveness, acceptance and all goodness. He gives and gives, and that seems to be His most influential character perceived by a newborn Christian. Unfortunately, as we grow up, rather than growing up into Christ's character of giving more fully, we seem to become more selfish again. This explains the ever-raging great controversy and its effect on even the very elect. We need not depend on self at anytime even for one moment alone - for apart from Christ, we grow more unchristlike. I use my giving spirit meter to measure my Christlikeness progress and I often find that I need more help.
Offerings of gratitude