In our journey with God, two approaches stand out. Some view it as a transaction, a give-and-take based on performance. Others understand it as a relationship, seeing God as a loving Father. Both are valid, yet love surpasses all. You can follow the “legalistic” path of rewards and consequences. Alternatively, you can choose to act out of genuine love for God, serving Him wholeheartedly. While the former is like a business deal, the latter reflects a deep connection. In your faith, strive for the more excellent way — love. It transforms duty into devotion, making your journey with God truly enriching.
In our walk with God, love should permeate every aspect, especially in our act of giving. It’s not meant to be a legalistic obligation or a mere transaction. While giving can be framed as a command or a business-like deal, these approaches can somewhat dilute the spiritual essence of giving. The purity of giving is in the love that propels it. When your giving is an outpouring of love for God and others, it does something to the soul. Giving as a command or business transaction is the reason churches are well funded, but their members are mediocre-in-spirit, without an iota of eternal life in their souls.
Guarding your soul is a personal responsibility, as emphasized in the Bible: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Your freewill giving, devoid of compulsion, is a genuine measure of spiritual growth. Let your giving be a heartfelt expression of devotion, enriching both the giver and the receiver. If you desire to give to God, let it spring from love, understanding, and a willing heart (2 Corinthians 9:6-15). Never succumb to pressure or give beyond your capacity at the moment. Such constrained giving not only constricts the soul but also leads to spiritual impoverishment.
