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Steve -- I agree with you. However, sometimes I wonder what is the right motive for giving. For example, if a person gives because he gets joy by doing so, that's great. But, have you ever thought that perhaps giving out of obedience, even when it hurts, has a lot of merit also, even if there is no apparent joy at the time of giving. This kind of giving will bring a lot of joy to the giver, because God will bless such person. It's interesting that in Mal 6:3:10 God asks the people of God to "prove" Him with respect to giving. In general, I believe we should be joyful givers. But, it is easier to be joyful in giving when one has given and received the reward from God in the form of many blessings. However, for the person who is not used to giving, starting is often painful. Nevertheless, the reward, not just materialy, but in many other forms, will definitely arrive for such person. Actually, I say all this not to you, because you are already a giver, but to those brethren who have not yet started doing so. To all I say: give even if it hurts, not only money, but also quality time. Jesus is wonderful! |
