I would like to attempt to cover an area of giving that doesn’t normally get any attention. It is routinely overlooked in the Apostolic church. That is the reality that if we give something, that someone receives (benefits from) that giving.
I know that it is often the pastor but it should be many others. I believe that the standard message on giving implies that ALL Christians should give. You don’t typically hear that some Christians should receive, but the reality is that even Christians fall on hard times. I realize that this in not a popular message in the days of prosperity gospel but it’s true.
The prosperity gospel tends to make people ashamed of having needs. But when you look at the early church, there were people who had needs. When we pretend that they are less than righteous because it fits our narrative on giving, we do them and the church as a whole, disservice. It is a reckless doctrine IMHO.
Often on giving, the subject of the church selling what they had and putting the money at the apostles feet comes up. This is a scriptural example of early church giving, but the scripture doesn’t stop there. It says who received the resources. Allow me to cut and paste.
Acts 4
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet:
and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
You see, even in the early church where people were on fire for God and revival was going on, people were in need. It is often overlooked that the money was distributed to
every man that had need. I have seen many times where the preacher who covered this passage would merely stop after the part where the money was laid at the apostles feet, implying that it was for them. It was not for them,
UNLESS THEY WERE IN NEED!
So I think it’s important to complete the full circle of the giving doctrine. The scripture does. We often do not. We often are told that once we give, it’s none of our business what happens to the gift. It is simply and scripturally not true. For every gift, there is someone or something that receives and benefits from that gift. Giving is a gift of the Spirit. They who truly have this gift, in my experience also are diligent in stewardship. They go together.
I have too often heard that if someone is experiencing financial difficulties, it is caused by their lack of giving. This is often completely unfounded. Sometimes financial difficulties are very temporary. Other times they are a lifestyle.
The widow who gave her mites was obviously generous. She also had nothing more. Aaaand she was a widow. So, in spite of her generosity we never hear of her becoming independently wealthy or that she married her Prince Charming.
Giving is important. It is not for all Christians at all times. There are benefits to being in financial hardship. It can be humbling. And it can, if approached correctly, be an opportunity for the ones who have more to share with they who have need. It is a demonstration of brotherly love.
Aaaand it is absolutely scriptural!