(Audio)
For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
Here we have a spiritual law given by God that many of us probably don't believe. We've all experienced times when our offerings aren't immediately met with the karmic returns we might think they deserve. And yet the promise not only stands but is intensified by Jesus.
Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
We note that he says for my sake and the sake of the Gospel. On the other hand, our gifts are more often like bribes that the LORD does not accept. We do them out of a sense that we are obligated to pay off the judge so he will look the other way. We're afraid that he's looking for any excuse to condemn us and so we offer what we do to try buy him off.
If we change the attitude with which we give we experience different results as well.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
We are called to give for the sake of Jesus and the sake of the Gospel. This sort of giving can be done with a cheerful countenance and a spirit of joy because we no longer begin from a place of desperation but rather from one of love and understanding.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
Almsgiving is an important part of Lent. We are called to make sacrifices for the LORD. But let's do them in a right spirit. Then, because they are done well, we can look forward, even this Lent to a bountiful harvest.
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
Even the persecutions are transformed into blessings when we operate for the Gospel's sake. LORD, give us generous spirits!
Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
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