Hebrews 13:15-16 - “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Giving is not always a human instinct. We’ve been conditioned by the world to take what is rightfully hours, and grab whatever we can in order to survive. But as Christ-followers, we have turned our backs to the world. We are called to give generously, and sacrificially.
These two verses in Hebrews list three ways we can give sacrificially:
1. Continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God
2. Do good to others
3. Share what you have
Each of these may be easy or difficult depending on our circumstances. It’s easy to praise God when all is well in our lives. But can we continually praise Him when we’re consumed with stress, and everything seems to be falling apart? We love to do good when we’re in a happy mood. But will we actually take the time to help someone out when we’re already running terribly late? We’re excited about sharing what we have with those in need. But will we continue to do so when we’re living on our last dime?
As we grow in our spiritual lives, may we always be eager to give sacrificially in a manner that is pleasing to God. Let us have our eyes open to the needs around us, and our ears open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Remember, it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.
