GOD IS THE GREAT GIVER
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” Philippians 4:10, ESV
Theme: Giving to God’s work being done through the church is an opportunity for us to take part in the mission together.
GIVING YOU
Out of the 94 times in the Bible the word “giving” is listed 61, are combined with “you,” indicating that the giving is going to God’s people. Some of the 33 remaining verses are about God giving gifts to “us,” “him,” “them,” or “to the people.” Rarely does “giving” refer to us giving back to God in a tithe. By reading passages about giving, I discovered a God who gives repeatedly and generously to His people. The greater story, the Good News, is about God’s gifts to us. Offerings and tithes are one small way He gives us an opportunity to participate in His generosity to the world. Tithes, while we can often feel like they are significant to the people and organizations who benefit from them, aren’t even about what we are giving to God. Even in the tithe, God promises to give back to us (Malachi 3:10). While giving allows us to take part in God’s mission – and we have to take action to participate – make no mistake, this opportunity to participate isn’t one He is taking; it's one He is giving to you.
OUR CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH
Your giving encourages and shows your concern for the Church. Leaders you care for are encouraged by your faithfulness in many measurable areas: attending regularly, getting plugged in spiritually (Life Group, reading plan together), serving faithfully, and giving consistently. When you follow Jesus authentically, it encourages others around you. Your giving to missionaries going on short-term missions encourages them. In 2024, I was part of a team traveling to South Africa with The Cove Church. I reached out to family, friends, and Life Group members (both current and past) with support letters. No matter the amount, when people gave their resources to send me on mission, it was a great encouragement to me. It helped me feel connected to them and prompted me to provide detailed updates on the work being done and our progress throughout the trip. Their investment and belief in my potential encouraged me. Because of how supporters encouraged me, I do my best to support our missions team members with a financial contribution, and even a small donation helps. Showing concern for the Church by tithing and offering additional financial support is an opportunity for me to take part and encourage fellow believers who, like Paul in today’s Scripture, are doing God’s good work.
Make It Personal: In what ways is God giving to you in this season? How does giving the tithe affect you emotionally and spiritually? Have you been asked to support anyone going on a short- or long-term mission trip? Pray with me.
Pray: Lord, thank You for the ways that You give and provide. I know You don’t need my resources. Help me to see Your perspective. Help me to want to tithe. Help me to see how much encouragement my faithfulness provides to others. You are the One who gives to me. I want to learn to give like You do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: I Corinthians 16:1-18
Weekly Memory Verse: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10, ESV