Giving

By: Abe Anaya

I used to cringe when I would hear the word “giving” in church. To be honest, it wasn’t the principle behind it. It wasn't necessarily the person talking about it. It had more to do with the fact that I grew up in a home that taught me something false. Let me explain.

As a young man, I was not raised in a home that read the Bible, practiced the sacraments, or pursued Jesus. Aside from the occasional wedding or funeral, we did not regularly attend church. In fact, at some point, we stopped going to church altogether. The minimal knowledge that we had when it came to “giving” was more anecdotal than biblical.

My parents had several friends who identified as protestant believers. We were not surrounded by many Christians growing up, so when we came in contact with some of them, we watched, observed, and judged most of the time. I know that doesn’t sound very nice, and it wasn’t, but in all honesty, these supposed Christians were not the best examples. Here’s why:

On certain occasions, my parents used to purchase jewelry from some door-to-door sales folks. Much like the Kirby vacuum people, these folks would come to our house, show my mom the latest rings, necklaces, and earrings. If she liked an item, they would extend her credit, and week after week, they would visit and expect payment. Without sharing all of the specific details, my parents experienced being taken advantage of by people who said they were Christians. This is where I remember the clichés being thrown around, “Christians are dishonest people, and all they care about is money. They are a bunch of crooks!” And these clichés never went away.

You don’t need to have the same experience that my parents and I had growing up to come to the conclusion that when the church talks about “money” and “giving,” those words can be synonymous with “greed” and “power.” It certainly does not help when you see on TV or social media the latest church leader who drives a particular car, lives in a specific house, took a particular vacation, etc. Look, my intent is not to dissect what others do, but instead ask myself the honest question: “Is my understanding of ‘giving’ based on biblical principles or anecdotal experiences and observations?”

The Bible lays down a solid foundation for the creation of man, fall of man, redemption of man, restoration of man, and the recreation of man. These are the movements in Scripture that capture the metanarrative of God’s story. If we want to understand “giving,” then fundamentally, we must come first under the Giver.

Colossians 1:16-17 says, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

The Apostle Paul masterfully explains the creative order we read about in Genesis 1-3. Jesus is the giver and sustainer of life. All things are created by Him and for Him.

For us to have a biblical view on “giving,” we must first understand the giver. In Job 38, again, we see God reminding Job, and us, of His majesty and creative power. (Take some time this week to read the entire 38th chapter of Job.)

When we understand who God is in the metanarrative of scripture, we can begin to understand who we are in His story. He is the potter; we are the clay!

Acts 20:35 Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (We give with the right perspective.)

In Mathew 6:3, Jesus said, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (We give secretly.)

Luke 14:12-14 instructs, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back, and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (We give humbly and sacrificially.)

Over and over again, we see this idea of alleviating someone from a real need. Our mandate from the Giver and Sustainer of life is for us to give and help sustain others’ lives. This theme is biblical, not anecdotal. Part of our role in God’s Kingdom is to bring about practical Gospel change. Money does not solve all problems, but if the love of it is the root for evil, then giving must be the cure.

The next time you are sitting in church, and you see the offering baskets, ask yourself the question, “Is my understanding of ‘giving’ based on biblical principles or anecdotal experiences and observations?”

Don’t let your negative experiences keep you from participating in Kingdom work. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)”

Let us check our hearts, realign them, confess them, and ask God to help us see Him for who He is—the ultimate Giver and Sustainer of life. Let’s ask God to help us become more like Him.

Pastor Abe Anaya is a small groups pastor at Shepherd Church located in Porter Ranch, CA. For the last 20 years, he has worked alongside a ministry team that oversees two main programs at Shepherd – a Life Group’s ministry, and a Women and Men’s “Encounter” retreat. His passion is community life and spiritual development.