“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)
It’s Sunday morning and I know you are heading to church shortly. Maybe you are already seated on your favorite pew, and you are looking at the meditation before your service starts, since you showed up early. So, even though it is not the day for the “short” issue of Mark Writes, I will be brief.
Do you want to know where real giving starts as it applies to giving in respect to your treasures, time, and talents? Well, if you look at the opening verse, you will quickly see that real giving really starts with love. When you look at the closing verse, real giving starts in the heart.
In case you are tempted into thinking is solely related to your weekly church contribution, let me add one more statement. If you recognize where real giving starts, you can improve your marriage, enhance your relationships if you are unmarried, and dismiss discord that is disturbing your house by not always insisting your way or the highway (Love does that, according to the Scriptures).
If you recognize where real giving starts, you will be a good steward of your time, at your place of employment (including your work from home space), at home (when your “workspace” turns into daily living space), and in your kingdom building work outside of the sanctuary, where you use your God-given gifts for the benefit of others. These are just a few examples my friend.
Read the verses above again, and the one below a second time, before service starts! I don’t want to rob you of being attentive and an active participant in your worship service and your advantage of being in the special presence of the Lord. You are getting ready to benefit from worship, starting before the invocation, all the way to the benediction, and even afterwards. Be blessed!
“Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].” (2 Corinthians 9:7 The Amplified Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King