Here’s a little snack: It’s so easy to see the love of God in verses like John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…” or 1John 4:8, “…God is love.” However, at close examination of 2Corinthians 9:7 we see the love of God like an unexpected, but much needed, rain. The benevolent dictatorship of God in the life of His people is a beautiful thing.
The benevolent dictator within our God is of necessity to those who would never naturally go seeking for His love. You see, the fact is, we simply do not know what is best for us. We would never choose to be tithers; it’s not our nature to extend but rather to retrieve. If it were left up to us, Acts 20:35 “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” would be swept under the rug of our carnal heart.
Notice that our loving God not only commands the gift, but also the emotion of the giver. What a beautiful thing that God does not leave it up to our heathenistic natures to decide how we will give. Though our giving is a choice, it is not an option. If we are to give in such a way that it glorifies an already glorified King of Kings, the heart our gift must match the receiving hand of our God: “…not grudgingly, or of necessity.” You see, God will never receive our gift in bitterness; neither will He receive it because He has to. If God so chooses to receive out gift to Him, He will do so based upon the generous heart of the giver.
To give in bitterness is the same as the repenting of sin in word only. The heart of our gift is of greater importance than the gift itself. This is why it is so important that we examine our hearts when giving. If the emotion of our giving is grudging or of necessity, our only option is to repent… and give.
You see, the giving of tithes and offerings isn’t simply to pay the bills or provide ministry to saints and sinners. The giving of tithes and offerings is an opportunity for God’s people to do a heart examination. It is our opportunity to repent each and every time we worship Him corporately. Why? Because, if we had it our way, we would neither repent nor give. Thank you Lord for loving your people!
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