In Luke 21, Jesus says, Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. The story of the widow’s mite is a greater reminder of how God views Giving. But how should we view it? Howard Dayton is here today to help us with that. Then it’s on to your calls and questions at 800-525-7000.
Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Finances God’s Way, and author of several books on God’s financial principles.
Howard tells about a part of his testimony where he dove into what God’s word says about generosity and how it affected his giving.
God evaluates our actions on the basis of our attitudes. John 3:16 reveals his attitude toward giving: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.
Note the sequence. Because God loved, he gave. Because God is love, he is also a giver. He set the example of generosity motivated by love.
An attitude of love in giving is crucial: 1 Corinthians 13:3 says, If I give all my possessions to feed the poorbut do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Scripture shows us in several places that to God, attitude counts a lot more than amount.In Matthew 23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for tithing legalistically. He says, Woe to you, you have neglected the more important matters of the lawjustice, mercy and faithfulness.
Numbers 18:24: The tithe of the sons of Israel they offer as an offering to the Lord.
If giving is merely to a church, a ministry, or a needy person, it is only charity; giving to the Lord is always an act of worship, expressing love and gratitude to our Creator, Savior, and faithful Provider.
In addition to giving with love, we are to give cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches, Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
The key to cheerful giving is to yield ourselves to Christ, and ask him to direct how much he wants us to give. That places us in a position to experience the advantages of giving with the proper attitude.
There are three key areas and the first is an increase in intimacy. Above all else, giving directs our heart to Christ. The second benefit is an increase in character.The third benefit to giving God’s way is an increase in heaven itself.
Howard Dayton’s been our guest today. You can find out more about Howard and His ministry at Compass1.org.
On today’s program we also answer your calls:
I have a small 401K account. It lost about 3K since last year. What can I do with this?
I am in the process of building my credit. I had some people tell me to increase my credit limit, but I don’t use enough of the credit limit I have, then I was told I use too much. What should I do?
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