Giving From The Heart

"But who am I, and who are my people,
that we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,And of Your own we have given You."
1 Chronicles 29:14
Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:14–20.
In 1 Chronicles 28:1, David addressed an assembly he called together for the purpose of building the temple. All the important officials of Israel were there: national and tribal leaders, military commanders and heroes, palace officials, and those in charge of the royal property. Having been denied by God the opportunity to build the temple himself, David had resolved to set his son Solomon up for success (22:7-19).
When the time came to give resources towards building a temple for God, King David said: “Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer willingly as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). David’s generosity was driven by gratitude for God’s involvement in his life and that of the people of Israel. His response speaks of his humility and his acknowledgment of God’s goodness towards (aliens and pilgrims) “foreigners and strangers” (v 15). In so doing, he led by example by giving generously out of his own wealth (29:2-5). But he understood a critical truth: he and the people were only able to give from what God had already given to them. Every gift had come from God in the first place (v 16).
Our giving to God’s work—whether in time, talent or treasure—reflects our gratitude to the One who gave to us to begin with. All that we have comes from His hand (v 14); in response, we can give gratefully to Him.
Prayer: Dear Father, please help me to respond to Your love and care with a generous heart. In Jesus precious name, I ask. Amen.



