FINANCIAL - OFFERING
Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 NKJV
12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;
14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.
When it comes to the subject of “offerings” God’s instructions are simple and clear. The key with “offerings” is staying within the context of God’s Word when it comes to the subject of giving. First, the giver should have a willing mind which basically means the person should have a desire to give the “offering” to the church, mission, ministry or person. If you really don’t like the ministry or the message of that ministry you should not give unto it. Of course, there are always some exceptions when you generally agree with the ministry, church or minister but disagree with a certain message. In those situations you can still give an “offering” because you are helping to support (propagate) the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is much more than words only, but also demonstrates the all powerfully healing Spirit of Love. We (ihlcc) have supported certain ministries because they had good works even when we didn’t always agree with every word the minister said. The rule of thumb is: “If you can receive eighty percent (80%) of their teaching (doctrine) and sense at least eighty percent (80%) of the fruit of the spirit coming from the ministry you could give financially to support it”. Whether that is a one-time “offering” or several “offerings” during the course of the year it is totally up to you. The key is being willing in heart and then having an abundant supply to take from. Yes, we (ihlcc) understand that some teach you should give first to get abundance but that is not in agreement with verse fourteen (14) which states, “Your abundance may supply their lack”. This is not a hard deep verse of scripture to understand the writer inspired by the Holy Spirit meant exactly what he said. If you are a good steward over the resources God gives you through your job or by inheritance you will eventually learn how to put away some extra money. Once you have extra (abundance, more than you currently need) you are in the right position to give an “offering” as unto the Lord Jesus and your Heavenly Father. Notice what verse 12 said, “It is accepted according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have”. So don’t feel obligated to give anything if you don’t have the money. This is why we strongly teach staying with the Word of God to be a good steward of God’s resources while you are here upon the earth. There are always people in the Kingdom of God who have more than others and hopefully those individuals will give more than others, so that there is equality in the Body of Christ. So “offerings” were intended to be a blessing to give and a blessing to receive if we give them according to God’s principles found in His Holy Written Word in the Name of Jesus. Amen!