(1 Corinthians 13:1) “Even if I give away everything that I have and sacrifice myself, but have no love, I gain nothing.”
(1 John 3:17) “Whoever has earthly possessions and notices a brother in need and yet withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God be present in him?”
(Acts 10:4) “He stared at the angel in terror and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the poor have arisen as a reminder to God.”
People believe that the more one gives, the more compassion and love one has for others. They believe that the more buildings or streets named after them because of their donations, that it reflects how much they cared and contributed to humanity. This might be true to a certain point, but in God’s value system, He looks at the heart and the true love that goes behind every action or achievement in our lives.
When I entered my calling as a full-time missionary pastor, I had to humble myself, quit my job and businesses, and start raising financial support by contacting friends and family. Coming from a wealthy family in the Sindhi Indian community, it was shocking even for them to see me in this situation.
Right away, I could see who was full of love and who was not. The ones that just gave, without saying a word, (and are periodically still sending whatever they can) were truly showing they cared and loved me unconditionally. Others took the opportunity to talk down to me, insult and mock me, and then send a one-time offering.
While a third group of individuals gave me a sermon on how God does not back up my decision to live by faith and that I was throwing my life away by not taking advantage of my business knowledge, background, and contacts to make a decent living. This group did not send any help, and some even went as far as promising they would, and never did, even though I quietly heard their humiliating remarks.
As a result of your giving, God will take away the blindfold from your spiritual understanding and make a way for you and your family to receive salvation as He did with Cornelius in the book of Acts. This is worth more than all the wealth, fame, or position you could ever achieve.
You cannot buy your way into heaven by giving to the poor and helping those in need, but by doing so, you guarantee, first of all, that God, in His way, will directly repay you.
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, You are rich in mercy, God of righteousness who sees me and loves me.
• Thank you for every individual that has ever lent a helping hand financially, with gifts or service to your children. I know you look favorably upon them and that their giving is not in vain.
• I ask that every closed door for their prosperity will be opened today. That every door of deception and loss will be closed.
• That good and helpful people will rise up to help them achieve your divine purpose.
• Where others have been rejected, they shall be accepted, where merely tolerated, they shall be celebrated, and before they even ask, they shall receive what they have desired.
• I ask for special protection of their possessions and family from the devourer and the plans of Satan.
• And above all things, I ask that You will become a reality in their lives and that those that do not know You personally will have a supernatural encounter with Jesus.
• I ask that everyone around them will see the increase in their lives, both in health, wealth, and position to bring glory to your name.
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• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen