ATTRIBUTES OF GIVING

GENEROUSLY, HAPPILY, WILLINGLY WITH A PERFECT HEART GIVING

Today, many people cringe at the topic on giving maybe through a bad experience or because they do not see the need or just don't believe in the process.  The attributes above are found in the remarkable story in 1 Chronicles 29. 

Let's take a closer look at 1 Chronicles 29: 8-14

They gave of their best treasures - they didn't give the left overs or the things they didn't want but the things that were found precious.  

And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. 

They rejoiced in and after their giving - That shows they were excited, happy and joyful that they were able to give.

Then the people rejoiced 

They gave willingly - No one had to beg, coerced them, promise them a blessing or anything.  They understood the cause to build God's house.  

For that they offered willingly

They gave with a perfect heart - They were moved from within to give not superficially but out of a heart that was sincere.  
Because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord:

The truth of the matter is that the people recognize that the things they had belonged to the Lord.  They also knew that it is The Lord that gives, reigns over and even gives the strength to obtain the riches they were giving him.  In reality they were giving him back some of His very own treasures.  

1 Chronicles 29: 12, 14
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

TODAY'S TOPIC:  WORSHIP IN YOUR GIVING

The first verse of 1 Chronicles 29 states, "the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God." 

How about  you? Is your affection set on the house of the Lord? 

1. How much different would you think now about giving after you have read these verses above?
2. Is there anything in your treasury you can give?  What?
3. Are you generous, happy, willing and giving from a perfect heart?
4. Do you recognize the source of your riches or do you give credit to your own abilities?  

Are you ready to worship? Take a look at verse 20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.

After all was brought into the treasury, they continued to bless God with other sacrifices and offerings on the morrow after that day. (verse 21) This would probably be too much to ask of today's people.  But there is a command in giving unto God especially if you claim to be of the descendant of Abraham.  Review the following versions of that command.  

1 Chronicles 29: 18

KJV

O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee

NIV

Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.

TLB

O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel! Make your people always want to obey you, and see to it that their love for you never changes.

As a leader David set the example of giving.  He gave even above that which he had collected.  He saw the work was great,  and because he understood that it was God's house he set his affection there.  

Remember to rejoice as give out of your very treasure.  Know that God triest the heart and have pleasure in uprightness.  Give to God willingly, generously, happily and with a perfect heart.  You can only build with your provisions- with what you provide. Make the man or woman of God's heart rejoice with you and watch out for your own prosperity.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel