One of the popular phrases in church and amongst fund raisers is “give and it will be given back to you.” It often dominates talking to members of churches while urging them to give offerings. Over times, many Christians have believed that the phrase is talking of giving to God. This statement was made by Jesus Himself at the beginning of His public lectures. A critical look at this statement reveals that Jesus is talking more on human relationships. This devotional is, therefore, presenting the phrase based on the context of rendering help to people as Christians as well as considering what we do to others. The Hebrew word for “give” is “Natan” which connotes “giving and receiving”. The Jewish people understand giving to make life meaningful for others deeper than giving what you have to God as offerings or tithes. Through the teaching of “Tsedakah”, every Jew gives for genuine helps. Tsedakah is a principle of giving to help fellow Jews on the bases of philanthropy. Christianity adopted this principle of Tsedakah during the earliest days of the fellowship.
Tsedakah is assisting people to enjoy maximum good living standards. Everyone amongst the Jews is made to be contributing into a common purse where people are helped in their daily needs. It became a law under the 613 laws of the Jewish community. It is taught in schools how to give so as to support other Jews. In most Jewish homes are seen donations box into which coins are dropped for helping fellow Jews. Christians of these days seem not doing much of the Biblical injunctions of giving. We must not stand only on giving to the General Overseers in seed faith, prophet offerings, pastors’ days and other coined words using for draining the members of their resources.
Christianity started with greater numbers of people who were poor or made poor by the laws of the land after they became Christians. Teachings of “giving” in those days included more of the poor in the society. It is funny seeing people giving in churches with concept of the more you give, the more you receive, and the needy in the churches are ignored from receiving what was given. Tsedakah provides systems of contributing into common source, use what is contributed to assist the less privileged by supporting them to be established. The Jews have several groups responsible for this noble works, sending out huge amount of money and materials to Jewish communities worldwide. Christian Leaders, especially Nigeria Christian Leaders, irrespective of denominations, must look into this principle of helping one another quickly. We have churches buying planes, building skyscrapers, modern state of the art worship centers. Yet we have the most poorest as members. The Bible says what is given to the poor is given to God directly. Such giving attracts 100% rewards. This rhymes with “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6: 38 NIV). The second series on this devotional will expand the Tsedakah principle.
PRAYER:
FATHER GOD; speak to me more on your stand in giving. I seem to have lost out of many favours from you for not giving properly. May the genuine understanding about giving be given me today in Jesus name.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch