From The Heart
February 9, 2025
Dr. Paul Cannings
Are we believers only because we accepted Christ in our lives, or are we true believers because we are in love with God? To love God is to keep His commandments (John 14:15). So why is giving to someone we love such a struggle for some believers (2 Corinthians 8:7). If an individual says they love their family, they go home and seek to be faithful to their family. No one has to make them come home or be responsible for those at the house because they are in love with them. The same should be true for God. No one should have to make us come to God’s house or be responsible for what God says He wants His family to do.
Our love for God and our giving are directly connected. Christ says, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34). So if we are not willing to give or say we cannot give, there are a few issues. Welack ability and are not willing to make the necessary adjustments like the Macedonians (2 Corinthians 8:1-6), or we love money (we do what it empowers us to do; Matthew 6:24), and it is therefore our master so God cannot tell us what to do with it, or we love the world and the things of the world (1 John 2:15-17). Therefore, God does not control what we do with our resources. Not responding to God’s command can also expose our unwillingness to trust God. True love directs the heart of a person, not just our lips.
“Ah!” said a woman who, in her poverty, had done much for Christ and who had a significant sum of money willed to her, “I cannot do as much as I used to do.” “But how is that?” someone asked. Said she, “When I had a nickel purse, I had a silver heart, but now I have a silver purse, and I have only a nickel heart.” (from Illustrations of Bible Truths Copyright © 1995, 1998 by AMG International, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)
Our desire to love God, demonstrated by our service and gifts, allows God to love us with His gifts (Proverbs 3:9-10; 10:22; 11:24-26). Otherwise, instead of being blessed financially, we are disciplined by the Lord. “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38; NASU) ‘KEEP HIS COMMANDS’ (John 14:15) Abide in His Word, and He blesses our desires (John 15:7).