How can we ensure our offerings to God are given with a "voluntary will"? Setting the Foundation “Each one should give what he has determined in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Why Voluntary Giving Matters • It mirrors God’s own generous nature (John 3:16). • It demonstrates that our hearts, not external pressure, steer our obedience (Exodus 25:2). • It preserves the joy that should accompany worship (Psalm 100:2). Checking Our Motivations • Ask whether gratitude or guilt is driving the gift. • Evaluate if a desire for praise is creeping in (Matthew 6:1–4). • Confirm that the amount aligns with what the Spirit has settled in your heart, not with what others expect (Galatians 1:10). Practical Ways to Guard a Willing Heart • Decide beforehand—set aside resources in advance, so giving remains intentional, not impulsive or coerced (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Give privately whenever possible, keeping the transaction between you and God (Matthew 6:3–4). • Remind yourself of Christ’s grace: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Gratitude fuels willingness. • Celebrate the act—thank God immediately after giving; it cements joy rather than regret. • Keep track of answered prayer and ministry impact; visible fruit reinforces cheerful participation (Philippians 4:17). Warning Signs of Compulsion • Resentment when the subject of giving arises. • Comparison with what others give. • Fear that God will punish if you do not meet a quota. • Pressure from emotional appeals rather than scriptural conviction. Encouragement from Other Passages • Exodus 35:21: “Everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD.” • Proverbs 3:9–10: honoring the Lord with firstfruits leads to overflowing barns. • Mark 12:41–44: the widow’s two small coins pleased Jesus more than larger, reluctant gifts. • Hebrews 13:16: “do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Putting It into Practice This Week • Review income and prayerfully set an amount or percentage. • Place the gift aside immediately so it is already the Lord’s. • Deliver it with a grateful heart, thanking Him for His provision. • Reflect afterward on how willingly giving deepens your fellowship with Christ. |
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