Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The thought expressed in the verse cited in the question is not unique to Christianity, to the Bible, or even to a religious context. It was also articulated by philosphers through the use of human reason, as illustrated by Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics, in which he stated that, although the external act of giving money to benefit others is normally associated with the desired internal attribute of nobility of character, someone who gives grudgingly, or with pain, is showing that he does not truly possess that nobility, because, even though he gives, he would rather have kept, which is the truer reflection of his character. And character/motive is of more significance from a spiritual standpoint than any monetary or quantitative consideration (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4).

(An improper attitude toward money is also illustrated by the account in the book of Acts (Acts 8:9-24) of Simon Magus. He was a sorcerer in Samaria who became a nominal Christian in response to the fact that Peter was able to perform acts of healing that Simon could not accomplish through his diabolic arts. However, when Simon subsequently offered money to Peter if Peter would give him that same power, Peter strongly rebuked him by telling him that the gift of God could not be bought with money; that Simon's offer indicated that his heart was not right with God; and that Simon needed to repent (although there is no biblical record that Simon ever did).) (The modern word "simony" -- meaning the attempt to buy ecclesiastical powers or privileges with money -- is derived from this account.)

March 15 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft 74 year old retired pipeline worker

Since we are no longer under the law, but under grace, giving is for rewards in heaven. So if we give willingly we can expect rewards in heaven. If we give grudgingly we will not receive the reward. 

God loves a cheerful giver. If some one holds you at gun point and says give me all your money, you are not going to give it cheerfully. That is not giving. That is giving to save your life. 

Churches can use certain phases to get money from people they would not ordinarily give. Like, singing I surrender all before passing the collection plate. I do not believe that honors God.

July 03 2020 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report