“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” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
I’ve always believed in giving, as taught by my faith. When you give as instructed, blessings return to you—whether it’s money, healing, peace, or deliverance for your family. I don’t give to get back; I give because it enlightens my heart and when I give, I’m showing Christ Jesus in me.
At times, the Lord instructs me to give a certain amount, not limiting me to 10% or giving all to the church. I know the old saying of tithing 10% according to the Old Testament, but when you are led by the Holy Spirit to give, you don’t limit yourself or your blessings. The Holy Spirit led me to give from the heart under the New Testament giving, what he wanted me to give and directing me to give it where the money is needed.
Sometimes he instructs me to give more than 10% and whatever he tells me to give I give, and where he tells me I obey. I didn’t understand this type of giving at first until I surrendered to the Holy Spirit. When you place what little you have in the Masters hand like the little boy with two fish and five loaves of bread, he’ll multiply it so you will be able to give more than expected. Our money is not our money, it belongs to God, and he makes us stewardess over his treasures. And he was about to show me exactly what that meant.
One day, my tooth began to ache, so badly I needed to see a dentist. My niece informed me to go to USC school of Dentistry. So, I did. I was introduced to a young lady by the name of Cynthia. She was nice to me, and I was nice to her. The two of us got along very well, her and another student named Punam. Cynthia informed me she was engaged to get married. I love marriages. So, like I always do, I decided I’d get her a gift card for $25.00. I barely knew her, except that she was nice and from a different ethnic background.
That night, after I’d finished my midnight prayer, praise and worship, the Holy Spirit laid it upon my heart to give her more than $25.00. I said, okay, I’d give her $30.00. The Holy Spirit said, “No, LaTanya, give her $200.00 and give Punam $100.00 for helping.” My heart nearly dropped like the freefall ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. My husband and I were as broke as a windowpane, struggling to make ends meet. I didn’t understand why he asked me, but I reckon he knew my heart to see if I would obey. And so, I did. With no questions asked.
Upon my next visit, Cynthia had twisted her ankle one month before her wedding and had to wear a cast. She couldn’t get around to purchasing some of the wedding items she needed. I presented them with the gift cards, and they had no idea of the amount of the gift card. Cynthia texted me later and thanked me for the gift. She was surprised to find out how much the gift was and hardly knew each other. Jesus wanted me to show Christ in me to them. When God tells you to give from the heart it’s important that we obey because he wants to trust us to place the money where he needs it to be, and for who he needs it to go to for whatever reason, to fund missions, feed the hungry, clothe the naked or take care of the shut in.
All the time it’s not monetary giving. Many times, we give a tithe so we can get money back from God. God is not a slot machine at some Las Vegas gambling casino. Some churches have made this a Motto, leading believers to think this is all God wants from us, money. Sometimes the Lord wants you to give ten percent of your time to him. Our God is not a mediocre God. He can do above all that we can ask for according to his riches in glory if we stop being selfish with our resources and give what God wants us to give to bless others on a higher scale. To whom much is given, much is required and if he can trust us with the little amount we have then he will increase and trust us much more to do his will and not our will alone.
