WHEN GENEROSITY ABOUNDS

Giving to the Greatest Giver

Having received so much, appreciative ones naturally wonder what they in return can give to the greatest King and Giver, Jehovah God. The Bible reveals that the best gift we can give to Jehovah is "a sacrifice of praise." (Hebrews 13:15) Why? Because this sacrifice is directly related to the saving of life, a major concern of Jehovah in this time of the end. (Ezekiel 18:23) Additionally, giving of one's strength and time to help the sick, the depressed, and others is an acceptable sacrifice. -1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 13:16; James 1:27.

Financial contributions play a key role. They make possible the production of Bibles, Bible-based literature, and the obtaining of places where Christians can congregate. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Contributions also provide relief funds to help victims of wars and natural disasters.

To guide us in the matter of giving, God's Word sets out some fine principles. For example, it teaches that Christians give, not some set amount, but what they are reasonably able to give, doing so willingly, out of a cheerful heart. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Some can give much; others, like the needy widow in Jesus' time, may be able to give only a little. (Luke 21:2-4) Is it not remarkable that Jehovah-the Owner of the entire universe-values every well-motivated gift and sacrifice made in his name? -Hebrews 6:10.

In order that they may give cheerfully, Jehovah's people are kept informed of various needs and of effective ways in which those needs can be met. Jehovah's holy spirit, in turn,moves willing hearts to respond. In ancient Israel this procedure was followed in the building of the tabernacle and later, the temple. (Exodus 25:2; 35:5, 21, 29; 36:5-7; 39:32; 1 Chronicles 29:1-19) In the first century C.E., that same procedure enabled Christians t o have the resources they needed to take the good news of the Kingdom to the nations and to support the brothers in Israel during a famine. -Corinthians 16:2-4; 2 Corinthians 8:4, 15; Colossians 1:23. Likewise today, Jehovah has blessed his people, and he will continue to bless them, by giving them what they need to complete the greatest preaching and teaching campaign the world has ever seen. -Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

Next time: What Are the Present Needs?

Watchtower, 1999