Generosity gives what you have… Generosity does not give what you don’t have or own.

Generosity honors the LORD when given from a willing and generous heart.

Remember this: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that  in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)

When you have intentions to be generous, when you make a promise to give and then don’t, are you honoring the LORD?  Did you promise when you didn’t have anything to give?

The LORD God asked the sons of Israel to give what they had, He did not ask for that which was not theirs.  Be careful when you make a promise to give.  It is better not to make the promise in the first place.  Be realistic!

The LORD called Moses up to the mountain and then told him what he was to do.  Moses was to ask the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Him.  The LORD did not ask for things which the people did not have, He asked for things they did have.  How could this be?  They were out in the middle of nowhere!
Before the Israelites left Egypt, God told them to ask for various items from the Egyptians.  And the Egyptians gave their slaves what was asked.

How did the people respond to Moses when he went back down the mountain and told them God’s command – “…raise a contribution to Me.”?

The people gave so much that the craftsmen reported to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform.’  6So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.’  Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more.  For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.”  Exodus 36:5-7 (NASB)

~ Take it to heart ~

How do you respond to your pastor or priest when a special freewill offering is asked of you?

Do you promise that which you have in your possession?

Do you respond with joy and a willing heart?

Wouldn’t it be beautiful to see this lived out in your church?