"Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor — the Lord rescues them, protects them, and keeps them alive" (Psalm 41:1-3). Continuing the March series on giving and generosity, Min. Mrs. Catherine Nikoi teaches that covenant giving positions believers for something more than provision: divine preservation and long life.
The seven movements
- More than provision. God does not reward giving only with provision — He also rewards it with protection and preservation. "Bring the tithe… and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake" (Malachi 3:10-11).
- Living longer, finishing well. Giving is not just about receiving more; serve the Lord with your time, talent, and treasure and "the number of your days I will fulfill" (Exodus 23:25). Some have carried their God-given destiny into the grave unfulfilled.
- Giving is bigger than money. You give God your life, your faithfulness in His house, your time, your resources, your talent.
- Rahab's one kindness. The harlot of Jericho hid two spies — a single act of hospitality — and asked for covenant kindness in return (Joshua 2). Who have you helped?
- A whole family rescued — and a legacy. When Jericho fell, that one kindness preserved Rahab's entire household, and the outsider entered the lineage of David and of the Messiah (Joshua 6:22-25; Matthew 1:5). God specializes in using what looks like nothing.
- Givers who died full. Abraham, the first tither, died "full of years" (Genesis 25:7-8); Job, eyes for the blind and father to the needy, died "full of days" (Job 42:16-17). Giving connects us to the mercy of God that fulfills our days.
- Purpose preserves. Rockefeller, facing a dire diagnosis at 50, poured himself into purposeful giving and lived to 97 — while wealth without purpose destroys, and money can buy treatment but cannot guarantee life. Giving is spiritual positioning: for preservation, for mercy, and for purpose.
Walk away with this
Let God see a reason to preserve your life: practice the covenant of giving — your kindness, your hospitality, your time, your treasure — and pray with the church: "Lord, as we practice giving, let our lives be preserved, and satisfy us with long life."