Why We Do What We Do
The Scriptures are the basis of all our activities. Our motivation comes from the love shown to us by the Father and the compassionate example of His Son. We endeavour to show God’s love through our service and share the gospel message through our words and actions. We believe that serving those in need is an essential characteristic to those who are ‘of the truth’ (1 John 3v19).
THE SPIRITUAL REASONS FOR GIVING
Built into the Law of Moses were checks and balances to ensure that oppression was not perpetuated by those motivated by greed. Every 50 years land was returned to the original owners and every 7 years all debts were cancelled. It was a gift from the creditor to the debtor. And further to this, a stern warning was given for those who might think, “I will not lend because the year of release (the 7th year) is near”.
The Law of the Lord was sensitive to those in need and inspired graciousness towards them. God wants us to freely give. He wants us to open our hands wide, to be generous. He wants us to give based on needs and not just when we have surplus. He wants us to give even if there’s no hope of receiving anything in return. We find all these principles of giving mentioned in Deuteronomy 15. Elsewhere in scripture we learn that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), that is it more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35) and that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6). God opens His hand wide to us (Psalm 145:16); we can show our appreciation by reciprocating this generosity to others. By compassionate giving we not only show our love, but God's love (1 John 3:17); we not only give to those in need, we lend unto the Lord (Proverbs 19:17).
There’s a saying that goes like this: “The real measure of our wealth is how much we’d be worth if we lost all our money” (J. H. Howett). That’s the point isn’t it? All the ‘getting’ of material possessions does nothing to increase the value of who we are. It’s not what we give. It’s not how much we give. It’s why we give. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Jesus Christ, Luke 6:38).
Summary of key scriptural principles related to giving:
Be generous – we need to open our hands wide to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:8, 11), because God opens His hands wide for us (Psalm 145:14-16); with the same measure that we mete, it shall be measured against us (Luke 6:38).
Give based on a person’s need – by doing so, we demonstrate God's love in us (1 John 3:17).
Beware of thoughts that prevent generous giving (Deuteronomy 15:9), knowing that if we do not hear the cries of the poor, our own cries will not be heard (Proverbs 13:12).
Thoughts are not enough, physical needs must be attended to (James 2:14-17).
Giving must be done freely and without grudge, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Giving must be done discreetly, without the seeking of attention of praise, for our Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:2-4).
Giving must be done in faith, knowing God will bless us in all our works (Deuteronomy 15:10).