Exodus 35:29
“The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord."
Just as the Israelites gave freely of their substance to the work of God, so our tithes, offerings and gifts to the Lord are meant to be given with a "willing heart" (v.5) to His work as well. Even more than "willing," we are to delight in what we give knowing that all we have comes from the Lord. Paul the Apostle remarked in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "...God loves a cheerful giver."
Giving is so much more than money. Our lives are full of TIME that we often waste, and skills that we may view as "ours”. Giving freely to God’s work can mean, the giving of your talents and skills as well. Both the Israelite women (v.25-26) and men (v.30-35) did just that.
When one freely gives something, somehow the need to get it back diminishes, joy tends to grow and you don't lose anything by giving. Jesus said, in Luke 6:38, "Give and it will be given to you..." A loose translation, you can't out give God. He will not be in your debt.
The Truth
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
