Scripture
1 Chronicles 29:9 “The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy.”
Observation
This passage shows the right attitude in giving. Our giving should be:
1) Freely. You and I should give without compulsion. There should never have to be a hard appeal. We should give freely. So many times people look for any excuse not to give, especially when it comes to tithing. They say tithing is not in the New Testament. They give excuses for not wanting to give. They miss the point all together. Giving is always a heart issue. They gave freely because they had giving hearts.
2) Wholeheartedly. The Israelite's not only gave freely but they gave wholeheartedly. Their giving was an act of worship. They did not give from their wallets, they gave from their hearts. It was not dictated by their budget but their love for God. They gave to God because they loved him with their whole heart.
Application
My giving is an indicator of my heart for God. Giving is always a heart issue. The amount I give and the attitude I give with reveals my love for God. If I am stingy or if I give reluctantly, it indicated that my heart is distant from God or that I live in worry and lack faith. When I give freely and wholeheartedly, it reveals that my love for God is true and that I trust God for my needs. Two of the greatest indicators of my relationship with God are my checkbook and my calendar.
Prayer
Father, I do not want to be stingy or miserly. I want to be a free giver. I want to give to you out of a heart of love, worship, and admiration. I want to increase my faith and trust you for my needs. I want to worship you with my giving. I want my heart to be right with you. Enable me to be a generous giver because I am a passionate lover.
