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” (Acts 20:35).
God provides everything we need; all He asks in return is that we give a portion of what He gives us back to Him. Of course, an important part of returning tithe and giving our offerings is to help provide for the care of God’s workers in both sharing the gospel with the world and caring for the members of His church, but did you know that it’s also good for your health—both mental and physical?
An article by the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership, entitled “It (literally) pays to be generous,” reports that, after researchers analyzed hundreds of studies, they found that “people who are ‘otherish’ rather than selfish tend to live longer, for example. And they also experience higher levels of well being, greater self-esteem, more positive emotions, and stronger relationships.” Another study analyzing data from the United States and Europe found that “generous people have healthier bodies, minds, and relationships—and in the long run, they actually make more money than people who are selfish.”
In order to give the Church an idea of members’ views about returning tithes and giving offerings, the Global Church Member Survey asked members about their giving habits and attitudes.
In 2018, a single question was asked about how often members gave a “significant amount of money to help other people.” Twelve percent of members said that they never gave money; 17.9%, rarely; 25.3%, sometimes; 17.2%, sometimes/often; and 27.5%, often.
Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Belief 21 is about stewardship. It reminds us that God made us stewards of the earth and its resources, and it is our responsibility to make sure we use them properly. We “acknowledge God’s ownership” of the world and everything in it by faithful service and by returning a portion of His gifts back to Him to support His work. “Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. Stewards rejoice in the blessings that come to others as a result of their faithfulness.” Giving our tithe and offerings is a win-win situation, the Church benefits by being able to support pastors and evangelists to spread the Good News of Jesus, and we benefit by living healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives.
In conclusion, the timeless adage “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” as highlighted in Acts 20:35, serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of generosity. This principle, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and exemplified throughout the Book of Acts, underscores the joy and fulfillment that come from selfless giving. The early Christian community, as depicted in Acts, demonstrated this spirit through their shared resources, support for one another, and commitment to spreading the Gospel. By prioritizing the needs of others over personal gain, they embodied a life of purpose and divine blessing. This message remains relevant today, challenging us to cultivate a heart of generosity and to recognize that true happiness and spiritual richness are found not in accumulating, but in giving. As we reflect on this teaching, may we strive to live lives marked by compassion, service, and a willingness to bless others, thereby experiencing the profound joy that comes from giving.
By,
Tobias Oloo
Ambassador, Mathare North SDA
