Giving Heartily!

“Whiles it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in your heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.” Act 5:4-5

Faithfulness and honesty to God and ourselves is the key to worthy giving. No man or woman can deceive God, and even if you deceive other people, you can’t fool yourself, not even till eternity. So it is essential that we find sincerity and always operate in it. The biblical text for today is showing the danger in giving without honesty.

It was the period when the church was practicing the act of giving. So many people sold their properties and shared the money with everyone in need. Ananias and Sapphira were indeed mere givers in this scene; they were not sincere givers. They wanted to give like others, but apparently, they do not have a genuine heart towards giving. They took a portion of their wealth and took it to the Apostles. They thought they could deceive the apostles and also deceive God. And then their deceptive act led to their death.

Our careless ways of giving might not have killed us right now, but there are indeed blessings we lose when we refuse to give with a sincere heart. Remember, God cannot be deceived; he has made unchangeable principles in place; so when we give sincerely, there is a blessing waiting for us rather than a curse (Give, and it shall be given unto you…Luke 6:38).

As we learn to give, ensure we do it joyfully and hearty. God gave us genuinely, and it is expected that we also give others the same way.2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Prayer:
Help me, Lord, to be a sincere giver to you and others.