RICHES OF GENEROSITY BRING JOY

A Readiness to Give

The size of a contribution does not necessarily give a true picture of the giver's generosity.  Once Jesus Christ watched as people deposited money in the temple's treasury chests.  Rich individuals dropped in many coins, but Jesus was impressed when  he saw a need widow drop in two small coins of very little value.   He said: "This widow although poor, dropped in more than they all did . . .Out of her want [she] dropped in all the means of living she had." -Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12:41-44.

Paul's comments to the Corinthians were in harmony with the thought of Jesus.  When it came  to making contributions to help needy fellow believers, Paul observed: "If the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a  person has, not according to what a person does not have."  ( 2 Corinthians 8:12) Yes, contributions are not a matter for competition or comparison.  A person gives according  to his means, and Jehovah is pleased with a spirit of liberality.

Although no one can actually enrich Jehovah, who owns all things, contributing is a privilege that affords worshipers opportunity to display their love for him.  ( 1 Chronicles 29:14-17) Contributions given, not for show or for other selfish motives, but with the proper attitude and to advance true worship, bring joy and with it God's blessing.  (Matthew 6:1-4) Jesus said:  "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving."  (Acts 20:35) We can enjoy a share in that happiness by giving of our strength in Jehovah's service and by setting aside something from our material belongings for the support of true worship and the aid of deserving ones. -1 Corinthians 16:1, 2.

Next time: Readiness to Give Today

Watchtower, 2000