EXHORTATION + GIVING

One of the most poignant examples of an encourager or exhorter is the apostle Barnabus. His name means son of encouragement. Acts 11:22-24 describes his ministry.

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:22-24

The gift of giving is a divinely inspired action or response prompted by the Holy Spirit to a believing Christian for the common good and the edification of the church. The gift of giving is characterized by the following: a. The essential meaning is to give out of a spirit of generosity. b. In a more technical sense it refers to those with resources aiding those without such resources. [26] c. This gift is to be exercised without outward show or pride and with liberality. [27+28]

> The operation of the gift of giving would primarily be characterized by Acts 2:44,45, [29] All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. The gift of giving is seen in genuine response to a known need, whether monetary support, merciful action or some supply or provision without pride or calling attention to oneself. The gift of giving is typically carried out in privacy as prompted by the Holy Spirit. It may be a one-time response or a commitment over a lengthy period of time.

[26] 2 Corinthians (8:2) - for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. (9:11-13) - You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,

[27] 2 Corinthians (1:12) - For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

[28] Hayford, J. W. (Ed.). (1997). Spirit filled life study Bible (electronic ed.)

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

In Matthew 10:8 Jesus said,

Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:8

So many things change when we grow in the true spirit of giving – the spirit of God’s release. In Luke 6:38 Jesus said,

Give and it will be given unto you, pressed down shaken together and running over.

Luke 6:38

The principle of reciprocity – of an expected return for giving is God’s idea for expanding life’s dimensions through giving: giving money, giving kindness, giving time, giving up, giving in, even forgiving.

Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their bitterness of criticism, the pettiness of judgmentalism, the quickness to condemn and the slowness to forgive. In case we surrender to the same spirit, we can instead be crowded out by our committing, to giving place to authentic loving and giving. But it doesn’t mean that the good qualities that God desires in our lives will exist because we are givers. [30]

These were strong words to these Scribes and Pharisees who: exploited their wives, were indifferent to their marriage vows, looked for ways to legally divorce, disdained the dearest relationships, were always verifying their own righteousness, but they always paid their tithes.

Weird, isn’t it? Tithing to the penny, yet puny in their souls. The point is that God views any giving which is only a legalistic performance as useless and unacceptable. How we give inevitably impacts how we live and how we view and relate to people.

Financial giving must be matched with a commitment to God’s love, life and values, or the life in giving withers. Giving is not something we do, but something we are. Giving is a way of life for the Christian who understands the grace of God.

[30] Matthew 23:23 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

[31] Hayford, J.W. (2015) The Key to Everything. Charisma House. Lake Mary, Florida.