The chorus, “Give it with love, store it above, give it with a willing heart. And if you have it now, give it with love, store it above, give it with a willing heart,” was a popular chorus that was used during the time when the meetings’ nightly offerings were being collected, underneath the huge evangelistic tents, that ran for weeks. It’s still vivid in the author’s mind. Ushers moved up and down the isles as they received the monetary gifts of the jubilant worshippers. Reflecting on the words of this chorus brings to mind the very important thought of what should be the basis of our giving to the cause of Christ.
The most powerful principle and motivation that should drive our participation in the cause of Christ is love. The love of God is the foundation of His throne and the motivation behind His decision to create us. It was His love for humanity that established the plan of redemption before the Fall. Christ’s love for His creation was what compelled Him to leave His native home of heaven and go to the cross. This is described by the universal Scripture of the gospel—John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (ESV). What manner of love?
As we return our tithes and offering today, may we be motivated and transformed by the great love of God.