Doing Things God’s Way: The Principle of Offering
At AHAVA Kingdom Ministries International, we teach that offerings are a vital expression of our worship, gratitude, and trust in God. Unlike tithing, which is a specific portion commanded by God, offerings are voluntary gifts that come from a heart of love, faith, and generosity. Offerings are an opportunity to go beyond the required and give freely from what God has placed in our hands, allowing us to partner with Him in building His kingdom.
The Biblical Foundation of Offerings
Offerings are rooted in Scripture as a powerful way to honor God. In Exodus 35:5, God spoke to the Israelites, saying:
“Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze.”
This verse highlights that offerings are meant to be given from a willing heart, not out of obligation or compulsion. It’s an act of love and worship, reflecting our acknowledgment of God’s goodness in our lives.
Throughout the Bible, offerings have been a way for God’s people to express their devotion. From the grain offerings of the Old Testament to the acts of giving in the New Testament, offerings are an essential part of our relationship with God.
The Heart Behind Offering
One of the most significant aspects of offering is the condition of the heart when we give. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, the Apostle Paul encourages believers by saying:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Offerings are about the joy of giving, not the size of the gift. God looks at the heart and the spirit behind the offering. A cheerful giver aligns with God’s heart, trusting that as we give, He will bless us in return.
The Blessings of Offering
God promises to bless those who give freely and generously. Luke 6:38 echoes this principle:
“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.”
This passage teaches that God’s measure of blessing corresponds to our willingness to give. When we give from a heart of abundance and joy, God responds by pouring out His blessings in a way that exceeds our expectations.
Offerings also create opportunities for God’s work to be accomplished in the earth. In Philippians 4:18, Paul speaks of the believers’ gifts as a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Our offerings support the ministry and extend the reach of the Gospel, ensuring that lives are touched and transformed.
Offering as a Response to God’s Goodness
Offerings are a response to God’s faithfulness in our lives. When we give, we are acknowledging that everything we have comes from God, and we are trusting Him to continue to meet our needs. Psalm 116:12-14 asks,
“What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.”
Our offerings are a tangible expression of our gratitude, giving back to God from the abundance He has provided.
Offerings in Practice
Offerings can take many forms—whether it’s financial, material, or the gift of time and talent. Jesus praised the widow in Mark 12:41-44, who gave just two small coins, saying:
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
This story reminds us that offerings are about the heart, not the amount. No gift is too small when given with love and faith.
Conclusion
At AHAVA Kingdom Ministries International, we believe that offering is an integral part of worship. It is a reflection of our faith in God’s provision and our desire to partner with Him in His work. As you bring your offering, know that you are sowing seeds into God’s kingdom that will produce an eternal harvest.
We encourage you to give cheerfully, trusting that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Offerings are not just about finances—they are about giving from a heart full of love, gratitude, and faith, knowing that God will always bless and multiply the seeds you sow.