“And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” John 1:51 (to memorize)

Through an offering, Solomon opened the heavens and received extraordinary wisdom and wealth. But likewise, through an offering, Cain was disapproved. Perhaps it would have been better for him to give nothing, as his offering led God to judge not only the quality of the gift but also Cain’s character. Your offerings prompt God to evaluate the quality of your heart. Here are ten ways of giving that are wrong, ten ways that close the heavens.

1. Never giving or giving rarely: This reveals that your heart is not rightly disposed and that you want to benefit from things without contributing your part.
2. Holding back from giving because you think your gift is insignificant: This attitude and action displease God. It shows you despise humble beginnings and lack contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). It also reveals poor spiritual disposition (2 Corinthians 8:12).
3. Failing to give your tithe: This demonstrates that God is not a priority in your heart. Tithes, like first fruits, signify that God is first in your life. This was Cain’s downfall (Malachi 3:6-8).
4. Giving something of little value in your own eyes: This reflects the value you place on God in your heart. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. If you offer something that means little to you, it shows God holds little value in your life (1 Chronicles 1:24).
5. Giving something you despise: See Malachi 1:7-8.
6. Benefiting yourself from what you offer: Like the case of Eli’s sons (Acts 5:1-3).
7. Getting into debt to give an offering: Genuine generosity is based on what you already have (2 Corinthians 8:12).
8. Dividing your tithe among various recipients: Some think a tithe is too much for one assembly and distribute it themselves. But can you allocate your taxes as you wish, even if the recipients are performing public services? (Malachi 3:10).
9. Giving alms to impress others: Alms are gifts to the poor, and it was through alms that Cornelius and Tabitha stood out before God. God considers Himself indebted to those who give to the poor. However, He rejects those who give to gain recognition and admiration from others (Matthew 6:1-4).
10. Giving alms without love: Many give to the poor with contempt, without regard for their dignity. Even if you give all your possessions to the poor but lack love for them, your gifts are worthless before God (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Let us pray together: Holy Spirit, create in me the right disposition to make offerings that please You.
Daily Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 15:1-35 – Jeremiah 52:1-34 – Romans 13:1-14

This text is an excerpt from the book “PROVOKING THE RAIN FROM ABOVE“ by Mohammed SANOGO.

We invite you to read the following article: “ASPIRE TO HEAVENLY TREASURES.”

False Generosity. False Generosity. False Generosity.