July 29, 2005

 

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: “‘…love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

--Mark 12:29-31

 

What does your money say about your love? The poor widow in the Bible gave all that she had in love. Only an hour or so before she cast her mite into the treasury along with the abundance given by the rich, Jesus spoke on the greatest commandment—love.

 

Interestingly enough, half of the money given that day in the temple went to the poor. In giving to the worship of God, the purpose was two-fold: it was an expression of love toward Him and those who were in need. They were following the commandment to love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love their neighbors as they loved themselves.

 

In the same way, because we love God and those that He loves, we can be motivated with the prospect of advancing the cause of Christ both here and around the world. It’s a “testimoney” to others of why we love them and God, and not just ourselves.

 

It’s foolish to say that we love our families, but not provide for them. It’s ridiculous to say that we love God’s people, and not give to meet their needs when they need it most. And it’s ludicrous to say that we love our church and its work, but refuse to tithe to the Lord.

 

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who have heard the Gospel of Jesus and have received the gift of salvation and eternal life, and those who haven’t. Those who have that gift are obligated to share it with others and give so that those who don’t know Jesus may know Him. That is the love of God.

 

Are you giving out of your love for God and people who are lost and hurting without Him? Do you have hope that He will provide for all your needs when you sacrifice for Him? When giving to God, is your faith pure and holy? And do you have a cheerful heart when giving? Jesus must be the Lord of our possessions always. And when we give out of faith, hope, and love, He will look into our hearts to see not how much we give, but how we give, and bless us abundantly.

 

GIVE WILLINGLY AND SACRIFICIALLY ALL THAT YOU HAVE

TO THE LORD BECAUSE OF YOUR FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE IN HIM.