This article is based on Kerygma Magazine March 2006 issue which deals on how people stregthens a deep closer relationship with God through giving Himself cheerfully...
Remember the Parable of the Rich Fool? He had a lot of harvest but he hoarded it for himself. What he didn'y know was that Gog was going to take his life that night. And the Lord condemned him as a fool not because he had a lot of money but because he wasn't working at becoming "rich in the sight of God."
In Sirach 35:7-10 we are told: "In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy." Our giving should be marked by:
*Cheerful giving
The giving money is not designed to be a drudgery. God wants the use of all of our resources to be a reflection of our love for Him and for one another. As people of faith in Jesus, we don't give out of guilt; we give out of freedom! God gives us material for sacrifice so we have something to give back to Him.
*Living within our means
Stop spending on what you can't afford to stop borrowing to fund your wants. Aspire to "lend to many nations and borrow from none" (Deuteronomy 28:12).
*Giving as a lifestyle
Think about it: Giving hurts if you do not it only once. But if you acquire the habit of giving to God, it becomes second nature. It's like trying to build up muscles by going to the gym only once. It won't do anything. You need to work out regularly for your muscles to form.
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