On Sunday, I taught my children from the Bible about sharing, and how it pleases God. As it is written, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased,” (Hebrews 13:16). Using the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17, I told my little ones that God will always bless them if they overcome the fear to give when what they have is not even enough for themselves. I reminded them that because I was an ardent giver long before they were born, God gave them American citizenship as a reward to me, and a blessing that will prove significant to them one day. Little did I know that I was sharing this (their American citizenship) on 4th July when Americans commemorate the Declaration of Independence!
It is my responsibility and pleasure to teach or remind you also my children in the Lord that God is always delighted when you bless others by giving to them. It is written: “God loves a cheerful giver,” (2 Corinthians 9:7). And your giving should not only be when you are abundantly supplied. You see, anyone can give when s/he has an abundance and has all needs met. However, the giving that really touches the heart of God is when we ourselves badly need provision. You see, there is always a fear to give when we do not have a lot. But God does not want us to be led by fear; we should be led by what pleases Him – giving. And when we overcome that fear and give, God will surely bless us.
In 1 Kings chapter 17, God commanded a poor widow to share her last meal before she and her son die, (so she thought), with Elijah. She was gripped with fear at hearing that request from Elijah for she did not have even enough for her and her son. However, she overcame that fear when Elijah encouraged her by the blessing that would result from her obedience: “For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’” Indeed, she saw that blessing of abundance when she obeyed God and shared the little she had: “The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah,” (1 Kings 17:16). Because of her obedience, she survived death by hunger, and so did her son.
Therefore, heed the word of the Lord: “. . . do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased,” (Hebrews 13:16). Remember that your “in good and bad times” giving will not only bring you a blessing, but that blessing will spill over to your children, as it happened with me and the widow of Zarephath.
God bless you.