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By: Barry G. Allen- President & CEO
Someone once said, “Two things I’ve had in life in ample supply, good advice and poor examples.” One of the great things about the Bible is it not only gives good advice, it gives good examples. Below are six worthy of emulation.
First is the example of the poor widow (Luke 21:1-4). In terms of the coins she used she made the smallest gift. But to Jesus, in comparison to what the wealthy gave, she made the most significant gift. To Jesus, the gift that counts is the gift that costs; it’s not the size of the gift but the size of the sacrifice; it’s not the amount but the proportion; it’s not the depth of our pockets, but the depth of our love and commitment to Him. No one is excluded from making a worthy gift to our Lord.
Second, Zacchaeus is an example of a person of wealth who gave over and above the normal (Luke 19:1-10). He was such a successful businessman and tax collector he had become wealthy. When he decided to follow Jesus, he freely vowed, “…I give half of my possessions to the poor.” What an example of generosity for those who have wealth!
Third, the woman with the alabaster jar of expensive perfume (Mark 14:1-9) is an example of a single person who was just getting by financially but out of gratitude made a sacrificial gift to the Lord.
Fourth, Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37) used a piece of real estate to make a legacy gift for the Lord’s work “with no strings attached.”
Fifth, the Macedonian Christians (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) literally gave out of their poverty and beyond their ability for the privilege of being involved financially in the Lord’s work.
Sixth, the Lord Jesus Christ stands as the supreme example and motivation for us as Christians to give faithfully, generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 8:9).
The Bible is true (Acts 20:35) and these examples above provide proof, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” So, give it a try; I promise you will be blessed.
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The information in this article is provided as general information and is not intended as legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, you should seek the advice of an attorney or other professional adviser.