Honoring God Through Giving

God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

“This is Juan,” the pastor explained, pointing to the picture on the screen. “He lives in San Salvador. For just a few dollars a month, we can make sure that Juan has clothes and food and gets an education. Please pray about what part God would have you play in helping Juan.”

When Steve got home from church that afternoon, Malachai, his six-year-old son, approached him.

“Dad, we need to get my piggy bank out,” Malachai said with urgency.

“Why, Son?”

“I want to give the money to Juan,” he announced.

“But you have been saving that money for the toy you want to buy,” Steve countered. “You have almost five dollars saved. Once you get to five dollars, you’ll be able to go buy it.”

“I know, Dad,” Malachai answered. “But Juan needs the money.”

Steve and Malachai emptied the piggy bank and took the coins to the church office. They explained that the money was to be used to help Juan.

Three days later, Malachai received a letter in the mail from his grandmother. But there was more than just the letter. Inside the envelope was a check for five dollars. Malachai read his grandmother’s letter. She told him that she loved him and that she had been thinking about him and wanted him to have a little money to spend.

Steve was changed that day. He saw in his six-year-old son what his son should have seen in him: the kind of faith that inspired him to honor God and give everything he had for the good of others. And Steve saw something firsthand about God too: He honors those who honor him.

Jesus, I want to honor you with everything I have, knowing that you honor those who honor you.