“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Pro. 11:24-25)

Giving of tithes and offerings is a misunderstood topic among many believers. Some are reluctant to give because they felt they could not afford to give since they are living from paycheck to paycheck. Others do not give generously because of their lack of proper understanding regarding the topic. But the truth of the matter is – giving is the key that the Lord has designed to unlock the abundance of blessings for those who respond positively.

Our God is a generous God. All good things are from Him. The whole of creation is a gift from God for us to enjoy. He gives us light, air, food, water and clothes. And beyond this He gives us Himself. He gives us Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He gives us forgiveness and He gives us love. He gives us the gift of eternal life and He is preparing a place for us in heaven. His generosity is unquestionable and He wants us to live in abundance. In His economy, He has designed the key to abundance is through generosity – giving with a cheerful heart. That’s why the Lord Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

There are numerous accounts of people whose generosity, even when they were extremely low themselves on the very basic necessities, lifted them into a place of true spiritual and natural abundance. One such example is the church in Macedonia (2 Corinthians8). The Scripture describes them as people of “extreme poverty” (materially speaking) but they were rich in generosity. They experienced the grace of giving and had overflowing joy. Their generous giving had brought about a level of existence that transcended their material poverty. They were a thriving church living in the abundant grace of God tough they did not have much finances.

Our giving to the Lord and the reciprocal blessings that come with it can be likened to the great rivers of the world. They are flow into the oceans. The oceans never overflow nor do the rivers run dry. Oceans and rivers are all water, and water, whether it is on the ground in the form of a liquid as a river or lake, or in the heavens in the form of vapor as clouds - is still water. This miracle of water always returning to its previous state is one of the great cycles in nature that make life on the planet earth possible. That unending cycle of water flow symbolizes the nature of our Father the Creator of the universe. He has never stopped giving and has never exhausted His supplies. We are all part of Him and He is our unending source. Everything comes from Him and everything returns unto Him. He is like that Great River that continues to flow and empty itself into the ocean while never running dry. (Romans 11:36). So when we give (not just money but) of ourselves, we are connected to the never ending flow of life and resources that find its source in Him. That’s the key to an abundant life!

Blessings,

Pastor Chris Chan