“Why should we give money to God?“, some people ask. This is a good question. In this manual we have cited nine reasons why we should give.

A DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE FOR GOD 

God is love. God is a giver. You can give without love but you cannot love without giving. God demonstrated His love towards us by giving.

John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Whatever we do, we should do it out of love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV Do everything in love.

AN EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION TO GOD 

It is always right and appropriate that whenever we receive something from God we should show appreciation. One of the expressions in which appreciation is demonstrated, is through giving.

Leviticus 7:12 NIV ~ If they offer it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with oil mixed in Leviticus 22:29 NIV ~ When you sacrifice a thank offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf.

A DEMONSTRATION OF HONOUR TO GOD 

It is customary that whenever a person appears before an important person like a king or queen they should bring an offering or a gift to demonstrate honour to the important official. When believers gather together, God is in their midst. Matthew 18:20 NIV For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. God deserves all the glory and the honour. It is fitting to bring gifts and offerings to him.

Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV ~ Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; [10] then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

AN EXPRESSION OF WORSHIP 

Giving is an expression of worship to God. Giving is not just an act. The worship of God is the declaration of his worthiness. God is worthy to be praised and to be adored for his omnipotent (He is almighty) omniscience (he is all knowing) his omnipresence (he is present everywhere) God is amazing in his love, mercy and grace. He is worthy giving expressions of our adoration through things we treasure.

Genesis 4:1-5 NIV ~ Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering---fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S COMMAND 

One of the reasons why we should give to God is because God commands it.

It was through giving that Abraham demonstrated his obedience to God. Abraham was commanded to give his son as a sacrifice and he obeyed. As Christians who are followers of Christ, we should obey what God tells us to do.

Genesis 22:15-18 NIV ~ The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

AN EXCERCISE OF FAITH IN GOD 

God is the creator of everything that exists. One of the names of God is Jehovah –Jireh. It means the Lord our provider.

We demonstrate faith in God as both creator and provider by giving back to him.We exercise faith by giving even from the very least we have, knowing that God will return back to us even more.

The widow at Zarepath trusted the words of the prophet as though they were from God.

1 Kings 17:8-16 NIV ~ Then the word of the Lord came to him: [9] “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” [10] So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” [11] As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” [12] “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread---only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it---and die.” [13] Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. [14]For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.' ” [15] She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. [16] For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.

Mark 12:41-44 NIV ~ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.[42] But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. [43] Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. [44] They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything. All she had to live on.

A MEANS TO PARTICIPATION IN GOD'S WORK 

Not all of us can fulfill the calling of God to a full time ministry for God. This is not to suggest that there is part –time service for those who do not do ministerial work. The majority of us do different kinds of jobs in accordance to our skills and talents. We are called to participate in Gods ministry by supporting those who have responded to God’s calling.

Women supported the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Luke 8:1-3 NIV - After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, [2] and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; [3] Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

The church in Philippi sent gifts being support for the apostle Paul and for the extension of the ministry to areas where they themselves could not go.

Philippians 4:14-17 NIV- Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. [15] Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; [16] for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. [17] Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire. [18] I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

A WAY FOR THE OUTPOURING OF GOD'S BLESSING TO MEET OUR NEEDS 

While it sounds selfish to give in order to receive and that our motive for giving should not simply be to receive more, giving is a God ordained way through which he gives back abundantly to us to meet our needs.

Luke 6:38 NIV ~ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Proverbs 11:24 NIV ~ One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV ~ -Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

A GOD ORDAINED WAY FOR FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL PROVISION FOR PASTORS AND ALL THOSE WHO ARE IN FULL TIME MINISTRY 

One way that God has provided for meeting the needs of pastors and all those whose vocation is ministry is through the giving of tithes and offerings.

Numbers 18:21, 23 I give to the Levites all the tithes of Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of the meeting…This is a lasting ordinance for generations to come. They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. Instead I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present an offering to the Lord.

A principle is a fundamental or basic truth or law or assumption. Principles govern and reveal the normal operation of how things ought to be done or how one can behave. In accounting one principle that is used is the prudence concept which generally means that in budgeting; you minimize your income and maximize your expenditure. Churches or individuals may agree or disagree on the day of worship. But the principle in the Sabbath commandment is rest. It is on the basis of such a principle that I rest on Mondays and not on Sundays.

A principle is a basic generalization that is be accepted as a rule and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct. We can debate about what should be worn or not be worn at church but the principle behind the debate is the issue of modesty or decency. As a Baptist church we have Baptist Principles. One principle is believer's baptism. We do not talk about infant or child or adult baptism. The basis therefore is at whatever point one has believed they can be or should be baptized. A rule or standard especially of morals or good behaviour.

Giving has principles too. There are guidelines in terms of how giving. Not all giving is acceptable before God. It is therefore important that we know the basic rules of giving.

FIRST PRINCIPLE: GIVING MUST BE DONE OUT OF LOVE 

1 Corinthians 13:3

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love and giving go hand in hand. It is possible to give without love but it is impossible to love without giving. When prospective MPs and Presidents give gifts to the masses during a campaign they are not giving out of love. They are bribing or corrupting the people or buying them so that they vote for them. When some nations and international organizations are giving donations, they are not necessarily giving because they love Malawi. When suicide bombers kill people including themselves in the name of Islam it is definitely not out of love.

In other words, God looks not just at what is given but whether the motive for giving is right.

SECOND PRINCIPLE: GIVING MUST BE DONE WITH HUMILITY 

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

[9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The problem with the man in the parable was not the fact that he was tithing tithe but that he was boastful about it.

THIRD PRINCIPLE: GIVING TO GOD MUST BE DONE REVERENTLY 

THOUGHTFULLY – Giving reverently to God means we have to carefully think about what we are giving to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Genesis 4:1-5 NIV

[1] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering---fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

ONLY THE BEST –Whatever we give to God must be of the best quality. God not only demands excellence, He deserves excellence When God tested Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, Isaac was the first and only son. When God decide to rescue mankind he sent the one and only Son.

GENEROUSLY

Romans 12:8 NIV

[8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

One error we should not give leftovers to God. We should not give what we want to throw away to God.

FOURTH PRINCIPLE: GIVING MUST BE SYSTEMATIC 

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 NIV

[1] Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. [2] On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. [3] Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. [4] If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

This speaks of the timing -every week. It is planned giving. It is systematic. If you receive a monthly wage, then giving your tithe monthly makes sense. If you do not have regular income, then if you plan that whenever you get the money you give makes sense and is systematic.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour The Lord with from your wealth, with the first fruits of all your wealth.

The principle in this text is the system of priority. First things first. That is systematic. The tithe which is one out of ten is a basic foundation for giving. That means the percentage is not fluctuating rather it is consistent. That means systematic. It also means that I should not go into debt that will leave me with unlivable amount because that brings a temptation to not give.

FIFTH PRINCIPLE: GIVING GOES TOGETHER WITH RECONCILIATION 

Matthew 5:23-24 NIV

[23] “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

God values relationships so much that he cares for them than our giving. If your giving is going to be acceptable before God, make every attempt to be reconciled with someone who needs reconciliation. Mind you the text is not saying if you have something against someone but if someone has something against you. That is even more demanding. Do not comfort yourself saying I don't have anything against him or her. It is not my problem. It may not be your problem but God has a problem with it. When you have made the attempt and the person does not want to be reconciled then you have fulfilled what God wanted.

SIXTH PRINCIPLE: GIVING LIKE SOWING A SEED BRINGS RETURNS 

Luke 6:38 NIV

[38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

SEVENTH PRINCIPLE: GIVING MUST BE DONE FREELY & CHEERFULLY 

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

[7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The word reluctantly means with sorrow, grief or annoyance. The word cheerful means joyful, happy and exuberant. I went to several weddings yesterday. I was prepared to give but I did not like being called to the front to give. Have noticed the gimmicks that are used in weddings? On several weddings it is announced that the newly married couple is going to give gifts to some guests. Immediately after that the MC announces that all those who have given should come to the front. They are told to give a certain amount before they can sit down. That is manipulation. If you should wed in this church do not resort to such tricks. People should not be put on the spot to give. They may give reluctantly.

The church should not resort to any means of giving that compels people or extorts money from people at functions like weddings or funerals, services.

Matthew 10:8 NIV

[8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

It is necessary to explain what tithes and offerings are as there is confusion or misunderstandings about these two subjects. There are both similarities and differences about tithes and offerings. Both tithes and offerings are offerings in the sense that they are given to God.

 WHAT IS A TITHE 

A tithe is a one tenth or 10 percent of what a person is commanded to give from their earnings or production. The tithe belongs to God. The tithing system began during the time of Moses (Leviticus 27:30-34;Deuteronomy 14:22). God rebuked his people for not tithing (Malachi 3:7-12)[7] Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, 'How are we to return?' [8] “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' “In tithes and offerings. [9] You are under a curse---your whole nation---because you are robbing me. [10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

While strictly speaking the issue of tithes had to do with what one harvested, in some cases where people do farming this may directly apply but for the rest of us, what is applicable is salaries or wages.

 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TITHE AND AN OFFERING 

A tithe however is different from other types of offerings in the sense that it is prescribed and it is a measured type of offering while offerings are not. Malachi 3:7-12; 1 Chronicles 29: 9; Malachi 3:7-12 NIV

Offering sometimes have an element of quality but tithes do not. There is a sense of faithfulness as in regularity in the giving of the tithe that is not true in the giving of offerings.There is an element of robbing of God when one does not give a tithe. This is so because the believer has failed to return what belonged to God in the first place. While the tithe is prescribed, offerings have to do with what a person has purposed in their heart to give.

 WRONG ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT TITHES 

Some Christians think that any offering is a tithe. Others think that “kupereka ndi kupereka basi”, literally means “giving is giving.” It does not matter how much you give.

Some Christians think that tithing is not very necessary. It follows therefore that they give anyhow because they do not pay attention to what the tithe is. Such thinking is erroneous. On the contrary it is absolutely necessary.

There are others who think that tithing is an Old Testament concept. It follows therefore according to them that it does not apply to them because they live in the post New Testament era.

Matthew 23:23 NIV [23] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices---mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law---justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

The message is very clear that while Jesus is condemning more important matters of the law he expects that they should practice the giving of tithes as well.

Sometimes one hears the expression: “I haven’t paid my tithe.” It may be just an ignorant expression but it must be noted that we do not pay a tithe. The right terminology is to say return rather than pay. We pay something when we exchange it with goods or services. We certainly are not buying anything from God whenever we give.

 QUESTIONS SURROUNDING TITHES 

The often asked question is: Should a Christian give ten percent of his gross salary or should give a net of his salary? It is the as asking: should a Christian give from left-overs or not? The answer is very obvious that a Christian should not give from left overs. The other question is: Should one give a tithe of one’s salary and bonus as well? The principle of giving tithes is based on what one has harvested. It follows therefore that whatever one has earned they should be faithful in giving of the same. Can one imagine God asking whether He should give you all the blessings or some?

 TYPES OF OFFERINGS 

We have already looked at the tithe as a particular type of offering. Now we want to look at the other types of offerings.

FREE WILL OFFERINGS 

Free will offerings are offerings which are commanded by God but that particular offering depends on the promptings of the heart.

UNACCEPTABLE OFFERINGS 

It must be noted that not every offering is acceptable to God. The scriptures outline every type of offering that was unacceptable. In principle these were defective offerings. A modern day equivalent would be anything with or of low quality was not fit to be given to God.

LEVITICUS 22:18

Exodus 25:2 NIV [2] “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.

VOW (PLEDGES) 

A vow or a pledge is a voluntary act of commitment of what a person decides to give to the Lord and they announce it declare it. Sometimes such vows or pledges are on account of what one is expecting from God. This is a type of a conditional vow. We note several examples in scripture.

Genesis 28:20-22 NIV [20] Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear [21] so that I return safely to my father's household, then the Lord will be my God [22] and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

1 Samuel 1:10-11 NIV [10] In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. [11] And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty , if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

Judges 11:30-31 NIV [30] And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, [31] whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering. ”

A caution needs to be given however. When we make promises to God we should take such vows and pledges seriously and be quick to fulfill them. We can attract God’s judgment when we cheat God as inAnanias and Saphira.

ALMS 

Alms are any kind of help we render to the poor and all those who need help. God expects us to be kind to the poor by meeting some of their needs. It is considered lend to God when we give to the poor.

Proverbs 19:17 NIV [17] Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

God supplies to the needs of those who extend of their substance to the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 NIV [27] Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

We find example in the New testament of Christians giving to those who have needs.

Acts 11:29-30 NIV [29] The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. [30] This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Malachi 3:10-12 ~ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Acts 20:35 ~ NIV In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.‘

 1. THERE IS FOOD IN THE STOREHOUSE (THEREARE PROVISIONIN THE CHURCH) 

When there are provisions in the church there are some positive implications.

Pastors are able to concentrate on the calling to ministry. When pastors are not adequately provided for they will naturally and of necessity have to find extra work or do some business in order for them to provide for themselves and their families. Such a scenario detracts pastors from their calling.

Pastors do not have to beg from their members or other people. It is beneath the dignity of a pastor to be begging. If a pastor is being helped by certain individuals it is difficult for him to discipline them where it is necessary because “you cannot bite the hand that feeds you”.

Pastors are free to fulfil their prophetic role. This means that they can rebuke government. Because our government knows the power of the church, it targets some pastors especially those who have needs so that they can manipulate them to speak in favor of government.

Children of pastors who feel the calling of God to ministry cannot be held back by financial struggles they faced when their parents were ministering.

Some people who feel the call of God to ministry will not have the temptation of refusing the call because they have seen too many begging pastors.

Churches do not have to resort to going on the streets for big walks with the impression that churches are beggars and that God is not able to provide for the church.

Churches will have enough to do ministry to the community. These are ministries like schools, hospitals and any other such ministry that reaches out to the poor, needy and helpless.

 2. OPENING OF FLOODGATES OF HEAVEN FOR BLESSINGS 

Matthew 6:20-21 NIV ~ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• Giving develops godly character and helps us to conform to Christ
• Giving allows us to put treasures in heaven. Matt. 6:20
• Giving can produce a material increase to the giver. Prov. 11:24

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV ~ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” [10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Giving draws our hearts toward Christ. What can surpass receiving heavenly blessings from God. The blessings of God may be physical (good healthy),psychological(peace of mind),spiritual or social. The blessings of God can mean material prosperity or spiritual prosperity, Psalm 1:1-3.The blessing of God can mean the overcoming of obstacles and fulfilling your destiny, Genesis 1:26,27.The blessings of God can mean a good family and wonderful circle of relatives and friends who truly love and care.

 3. GOD PREVENTS THE DEVOURER 

The devourer is anything that comes to steal away what God has provided. This is the work of the devil. The bible says in John 10:10“The thief comes but to steal, kill and destroy“. This is the opposite of abundant life. In preventing pests from devouring our crops it means that God’s hand of protection is over those who give to him.

 4. YOU RECEIVE MORE | (THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING) 

Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV ~ Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; [10] then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

You do not have to be an expert in agriculture to know that out of one deed comes many.

Luke 6:38 NIV ~ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Proverbs 11:24 NIV ~ One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

• If you want to be loved, love people.
• If you want people to smile at you, you smile.
• If you want people to greet you, you greet people.
• If you want people not to like you, just be a mean stinker and they will not like you.

 5. YOU STORE UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN 

Through giving we store up treasures in heaven. Many of us are busy investing on earth. There is nothing wrong with that. However, we cannot afford as believers to invest on earth and have nothing stored up in heaven.