Abundant Living - GlobalReach.org

K i n d n e s s a n d G o o d n e s s : T h e T w i n F r u i t147being open-handed. The giving of tithes and offerings is away of recognizing that all we have comes from God. Afterthe Israelites brought their gifts for building the temple,David praised the Lord for the gifts. Then he said, “Butwho am I, and who are my people, that we should be ableto give as generously as this? Everything comes from you,and we have given you only what comes from your hand”(1 Chronicles 29:14). David recognized that God alone was thesource of their security. People often try to find security in thepossessions they can accumulate. But the biblical principle isthat true security is found in giving generously, or being openhanded,because God blesses the one who is generous. Thisprinciple is stated in Deuteronomy 15:10–11:Give generously . . . and do so without agrudging heart; then because of this the Lordyour God will bless you in all your work andin everything you put your hand to. There willalways be poor people in the land. Therefore Icommand you to be open-handed toward yourbrothers and toward the poor and needy in yourland.It is in giving that a person begins to understand theimportance of not holding tightly to those things which perish.Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break inand steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”(Matthew 6:19–21).In many parts of the world the work of the Lord suffersbecause of close-fisted Christians. They give nothing, but alsothey receive nothing. When goodness as the fruit of the Spiritis evident in a believer’s life, it will be recognized by richgenerosity, just as it was in the Macedonian church.