How can we apply the principle of willing offerings in our church community? Setting the Scene in Exodus 35:5 “Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Everyone whose heart is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver, and bronze.” (Exodus 35:5) • Israel had already received the Law and the pattern for the tabernacle. • Moses did not force a tax; instead, he invited voluntary, Spirit-prompted giving. • The tabernacle would become the visible center of worship—built by hearts moved, not arms twisted. The Heart Behind a Willing Offering • Willingness springs from gratitude. God had just redeemed Israel from Egypt; giving was a joyful response. • The offering was personal: “everyone whose heart is willing.” Each person examined his own heart before the LORD. • New-covenant parallel: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give … for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Practical Steps for Cultivating Willing Offerings Today 1. Teach the biblical pattern – Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7 show that God delights in voluntary gifts. – Regularly remind the congregation that giving is worship, not fund-raising. 2. Model generosity from leadership – David and the leaders gave first (1 Chronicles 29:6-9). – Elders, deacons, and ministry heads set the tone when they testify to sacrificial, joyful giving. 3. Provide clear purposes for offerings – Israel knew their gifts built the tabernacle; people today give more freely when they see kingdom impact—missions, benevolence, discipleship programs. – Publish budgets and stories of how offerings change lives. 4. Celebrate testimonies, not amounts – Share how God provides for cheerful givers (Philippians 4:18-19). – Guard against pride by focusing on the Giver, not the gift. 5. Offer multiple avenues to give – Ancient Israel brought gold, silver, bronze, yarn, skills, and labor (Exodus 35:21, 25-26). – Encourage financial gifts, but also time, talents, professional expertise, and hospitality. 6. Keep giving voluntary and Spirit-led – No public shaming or pressure tactics. – Invite moments of silent prayer so individuals can listen to the Spirit’s prompting. Broadening the Definition of “Offering” • Skills: artisans, musicians, teachers (Exodus 35:10,25). • Time: visiting shut-ins, mentoring youth (Hebrews 13:16). • Goods: food pantry donations (Acts 4:34-35). • Finances: tithes and freewill gifts (Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9-10). All are valid expressions of honoring the LORD with our first and best. Safeguards that Keep Our Offerings God-Centered • Accountability teams oversee finances (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Regular audits and open reports maintain trust. • Prayerful dedication of every collected gift before it is used (Acts 13:2-3). Blessings Promised to Cheerful Givers • Spiritual joy and unity—“The people rejoiced at the willing response” (1 Chronicles 29:9). • Provision—“See if I will not open the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10). • Eternal impact—treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20) and testimony to the watching world (John 13:35). When a church family embraces willing offerings, needs are met, ministries flourish, and God receives visible glory—just as He did when the tabernacle stood gleaming in the wilderness, built by hearts that were willing. |
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