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When you receive something from someone you love, doesn't it make you want to turn around and give that person something in return? That's how giving to God should be: a way to recognize and appreciate his goodness to you. Everything God asks of you should be seen within the context of his love for you. God said to the Hebrews, "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me!" (3:8). It might have helped them (and us) to focus on the fact that all our belongings (and talents and opportunities) come from God in the first place.

In your giving, watch out for any so-called Christian magic formula. God doesn't promise to make you rich if you give. He says he'll bless you for your faithfulness (3:10,11), and his blessing can take many forms, including a deepening faith. God challenges us to test his faithfulness (3:10), so take that first step toward true financial freedom by giving enthusiastically to him! (See also Psalm 49:16-20; Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5, 6.)

Good Words to Remember:
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10

Today's Challenge:
If you give for God's causes (talents, money) why do you give? If not, why not?

Bible Studies on Marriage