Generosity Has An Attitude

Devotional Reading: “If I give all my possessions to feed the poor…but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3

God evaluates our actions on the basis of our attitudes. John 3:16 reveals His attitude toward giving: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” Note the sequence. Because God loved, He gave. Because God is love, He is also a giver. He set the example of generosity motivated by love.

An attitude of love in giving is crucial: “If I give all my possessions to feed the poor…but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) What could be more commendable than giving everything to the poor? However, generosity without an attitude of love provides no benefit to the giver.

In God’s economy, attitude is more important than the amount. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.” The Pharisees had been careful to give the correct amount, but Christ rebuked them because of their attitude. He looks past the gift amount to the giver’s heart.

We can consistently give with love only when we recognize that we are giving to the Lord Himself. If giving is merely to a church, a ministry, or a needy person, it is only charity; giving to the Lord is always an act of worship, expressing love and gratitude to our Creator, Savior, and faithful Provider. We should remind ourselves that our gift goes to the Lord Himself whenever we choose to give.

Prayer and Confession
I declare that I have the right attitude towards giving. I give with love always. Amen!

Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 8&9