Continuing "why believers give," Min. Mrs. Catherine Nikoi presses into two more reasons: giving supports God's work, and giving blesses others. Even Jesus' earthly mission was financed by supporters; the lad's five loaves fed five thousand only after they left his hands. The seed that stays in your hand abides alone — what are you holding that you can't give to Jesus?
The seven movements
- Recap — the heart of giving. All things come from the Lord; we give back only what He gave. Giving is willing, cheerful, and thoughtful, flowing naturally from relationship — because God gave first and giving demonstrates faith (1 Chronicles 29:14).
- Sowers, not consumers. Genuine servants of God sow and sow — often in tears, often in one room — and what they later reap was planted long before. Don't consume your seed and then resent another's harvest (Galatians 6:7-9).
- Reason 3 — giving supports God's work. Jesus Himself was supported: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others contributed their own resources to His mission. The Israelites' stirred spirits built the tabernacle; the Philippians alone financed Paul — "not that I seek the gift, but fruit that abounds to your account" (Luke 8:1-3; Exodus 35; Philippians 4:15-18).
- This church has come far. From Patton Hall to Baker to the community center to 726 East State — every move, outreach, pantry, feast, and ad took money, time, talent, and ability from the church that is you and me. Can we do more? Missions, screenings, scholarships, crusades wait on it.
- The seed in your hand. Unless the grain falls to the ground it abides alone. David's sling, Moses' rod, the lad's five barley loaves — the poor man's bread fed 5,000 with twelve baskets over, once it entered Jesus' hands (John 12:24; John 6:1-13).
- Now is the time. Night comes when no one can work; the mansion you build too late houses your visitors. Shy or not — "if it were just talking, I wouldn't be standing here" — the Spirit supplies boldness when the vessel shows up (John 9:4).
- Reason 4 — giving blesses others. Blessed to be a blessing; each one's gift ministered to serve others. The Samaritan, not the priest or Levite, was the neighbor — and "inasmuch as you did not do it to the least of these, you did not do it to Me." We serve each other, and it all ascends to God (Genesis 12:2-3; 1 Peter 4:10; Luke 10:30-37; Matthew 25:43-46).
Walk away with this
One prayer: "God, use what is in my hands for Your glory." Drop the seed — the time, the talent, the trembling voice, the tithe — into Jesus' hands, and watch it multiply beyond you to the people around you.