Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #7 — Real Christians Love To Give!

Picture: Counsel #7 — Real Christians Love To Give! CCL 46.1

In the life of a follower of Christ, offerings for missions are acts of obedience and expressions of love that deepen your faith. By sharing your resources, you participate in God's work of restoration in the world.^[72] Supporting missions allows the gospel to reach new people groups, helping to fulfill the conditions of Jesus’ second coming.^[73] Through giving, you not only alleviate immediate suffering but also model Christ's servant-hearted nature, helping foster a spirit of gratitude and contentment within yourself! Ultimately, offerings become a bridge between your faith and your actions, allowing you to live out the teachings of Christ in a tangible way.^[74] CCL 46.2

“Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ERV CCL 46.3

“If professing Christians would faithfully bring to God their tithes and offerings, His treasury would be full. There would then be no occasion to resort to fairs, lotteries, or parties of pleasure to secure funds for the support of the gospel.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 338 CCL 46.4

Reflect: The passage mentions offerings helping to fulfil the conditions of Jesus' second coming (Matthew 24:14). Have you ever considered this aspect of giving? How does it change your perspective? CCL 46.5