THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL; THIS IS A COMMAND. Christ is not just asking us to give money. He is asking us to give of our life, of our time, of our talents and skills, and of our treasures.
Gleaning from Luke chapter 6, here are several reasons WHY WE GIVE:
1. WE GIVE BECAUSE WE ARE RECIPIENTS OF HIS MERCY. (click here to read this)
2. WE GIVE SO THAT WE CAN EXPERIENCE HOW GOD GIVES. (click here to read this)
3. WE GIVE BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS THE LIGHT, "HAS CALLED US OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT" AND WE WANT TO LEAD OTHERS TO HIM WHO CAN DELIVER THEM FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS. (click here to read this)
4. WE GIVE BECAUSE WE ARE HIS FOLLOWERS/DISCIPLES WHO EMULATE FROM OUR MASTER.
"The disciple is not above his master: but every one who is perfect (mature) shall be like his master." (Luke 6.40).
Is God a giver? Yes, HE IS!
"For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE..." (John 3.16).
"He Who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely GIVE us all things?" (Romans 8.32).
Is Christ a giver? Yes HE IS!
"And I GIVE unto them eternal life..." (John 10.28).
"I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd GIVES His life for the sheep." (John 10.11).
Therefore, if our Master is a giver, we must become givers. If God is generous, we, His disciples must be generous.
