Devotion #4: Giving What We Have Been Given

When I was young, I remember attending a church where the offering basket was passed down the aisle every Sunday. I would watch as people dropped cash or checks into the basket before passing it along. Eventually, I wanted to contribute too. I felt left out, not being able to give something to God. So, I decided I would put my action figures into the basket. 

Before I could, my mom noticed and gently took the action figures from me as I was trying to put them in, explaining that I could keep them. She also took that moment to teach me about giving - why we give and how it helps the mission of the Church continue. From then on, I started giving in small ways - pennies, quarters, or a few dollars whenever I earned money. 

Acts 2:44-45 says, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” 

3. What are some key details that you notice in this passage? 

In this passage, we see several important distinctions. The first is the phrase “all who believed.” This distinction matters because this kind of generosity, having all things in common, can truly only work among believers. The idea of sharing and giving without expecting anything in return is a uniquely Christian concept. 

Often, when people give, they see it as an investment, expecting something in return. However, as Christians, we give to meet needs, not for personal gain. Another key point to understand is that this giving was not forced. It was not required but voluntary. 

Giving is meant to come from a place of faith, reverence, and worship of God. We are not called to be forced to give or to be showy or boastful in our giving, but to give worshipfully. The greatest example of giving is demonstrated in Mark 12:41-44, “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’” 

This woman gave out of her poverty; she gave in faith, from a place of worship and surrender to God. As we give to the Lord, let us not do it out of compulsion, pride, or reluctance, but out of a place of true worship and trust in our God. 

If you struggle with giving out of fear or giving out of boastful pride, take time to seek the Lord and ask for His forgiveness and help. C.S. Lewis wrote, “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”