Min. Mrs. Catherine Nikoi opens the "covenant practice of giving" teaching with the first question: why do believers give? From David's "who am I that we should be able to give like this?" to the widow of Zarephath's last meal, the answer is heart-deep: giving is never forced, it flows from relationship, and it begins with the God who gave first.
The seven movements
- Who am I, that we should give? David's prayer frames everything: "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand." What do you have that you did not receive? (1 Chronicles 29:14; 1 Corinthians 4:7).
- Thank God for Jesus. Under the old covenant, every thanksgiving needed a spotless goat — and the blemished one went back home. Because of the Lamb slain, we are redeemed by His blood and give from grace, not ritual (Ephesians 1:7).
- Note 1 — giving is never forced. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Willingly, cheerfully, thoughtfully — not vowing under pressure, not slaughtering an "Isaac" to force a payout (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Note 2 — relationship makes generosity natural. Where there is genuine relationship and revelation of God, giving flows without coercion. You can't bribe God — the earth is the Lord's and its fullness, including you (Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 8:18).
- The patriarchs gave with understanding. Abraham tithed after victory; David refused to give what cost him nothing; Solomon loved the Lord and sacrificed thousands — and God asked him, "What do you want?" The widow's two coins outweighed the show-offs because her whole heart was in it (Genesis 14; 2 Samuel 24:24; 1 Kings 3:3-4; Mark 12:41-44).
- Reason 1 — God gave first. "For God so loved the world that He gave…" Every good and perfect gift is from above; His breath is why you're alive. We give in response, never as a bribe (John 3:16; James 1:17; Job 33:4).
- Reason 2 — giving demonstrates faith. The widow of Zarephath cooked the last meal for the prophet first — and the flour and oil never ran out, just as the Lord promised. Giving to God declares that He, not the jar, is the provider (1 Kings 17:8-16).
Walk away with this
Prepare your giving before you arrive, and check the heart behind it: am I responding to the God who gave first, trusting the Provider over the jar? Then give willingly, cheerfully, thoughtfully — time, resources, skill, and all.