For God So Gave...and Why We Should, Too

One of the most powerful scriptures on love is found in the first part of John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world that He gave…"

Giving is one of the most misunderstood topics in Christendom. This may be either because some have not maturely handled money collected for the Christian cause or have misunderstood the actual theology behind giving.

There are three powerful lessons that we can learn from this scripture:

1. Giving is the most tangible expression of love. To love is to give. Giving is the very nature of God, which was expressed on the cross. Let giving become part of your nature.
2. Giving is not a means to an end but an end in itself. God gave His love to enemies, an ungodly world. He loved us even when we were yet sinners (Rom 5:6-8). Your intentions matter when giving. We should not have any vested agenda while giving.
3. Giving is to give oneself to God. God gave Himself instead of sending someone or something on His behalf. Apostle Paul declares that the Macedonian churches actually gave to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5). Whatever we give, it should be foremost to the Lord.

May our giving stem out of the love of God and our love for God. May the Lord enable us to give to Him by loving others and becoming a responsible steward.

Adapted from the sermon, "For God So Gave...and Why We Should, Too" by Pastor Mathew P John at ICA (April 22, 2018).

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