“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
God’s Words – For His Lost Children (5)
On February 12, 2012
God wanted to teach you a lesson.
There was a young girl who sold eggs at the market. Each time she earned money from selling her eggs, she would set aside one-tenth of her earnings. When she went to church, she would joyfully offer it as a tithe. Though her offering was small, she was filled with joy because God was pleased with her heart, and He blessed her with happiness.
There was also a woman who sold fabric. She only did business with the wealthy and made a great deal of money. However, she was stingy and cared little about God’s salvation. She never truly tithed, and whenever she made a donation, she would boast about it, showing off her supposed piety. Because God did not delight in her actions, He did not bless her for the small amount she had given.
One day, a great drought struck the land. The dry air caused a fire in the fabric seller’s warehouse, burning all her stored goods to ashes, leading to great loss. However, the young girl’s hens were well cared for, and not a single feather was harmed. Her chickens continued to lay eggs, and she always had something to sell at the market.
God does not look at how much people give but at their hearts. I share this story with you not to demand that you tithe, but to encourage you to have the same heart as the young girl. If you trust in Me with sincerity, no disaster—no matter how great—will come upon you, for I am the God who protects and blesses you. Do not misunderstand this as a warning that disaster will fall upon those who do not give. Rather, understand that those who align their hearts with Mine will often experience My care and protection. If you want to grasp the meaning of this, then follow My will. What I give you will always be greater than what you expect.
Do not give with hesitation, but with a willing and joyful heart—this is the kind of offering that pleases Me. I am pleased that you understand a mother’s heart, for you are a child who honors your parents. But sometimes, I also hope that you would see Me as your true Father and act according to My will. That would make Me even happier.
My children, I love you deeply. Stay close to Me, do not stray from My path. I rarely speak about offerings because I have always known your hearts. To Me, it does not matter whether you give or not, but if you do—even if it is just once—I will rejoice and dance with joy! I will delight in you from the depths of My heart and bless you abundantly.
My children, there are many teachings in this world that seem true but are not. While some things are difficult to explain in just a few words, it is the offering that moves the heart that pleases Me.
Remember this: What I give will always exceed what you offer.
I love you,
Your Abba Father
Originally received in Chinese and translated into English to share God’s message with more people. Elena Yaling Chen recorded His words on February 12, 2012.
