I Love You Lord, But Leave My Purse Out of It

Love is not just spoken—it is demonstrated. Jesus Himself said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). If our finances are off-limits to God, can we truly say He has our hearts?

Love Expressed Through Giving

Throughout Scripture, we see that those who loved God expressed it through giving. They did not merely offer words of devotion; they backed them up with their resources.

1. Abraham – The Sacrificial Giver
   Abraham, the father of faith, demonstrated his love for God through unwavering obedience, even to the point of offering his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14). Though God provided a ram in place of Isaac, Abraham's willingness to give what was most precious to him revealed the depth of his love for God.

2. David – A Heart of Generosity
   King David, a man after God's own heart, did not hold back in giving toward God's work. When preparing for the construction of the temple, he gave generously from his personal wealth and encouraged the people to do the same. He declared, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14). David understood that giving to God was simply returning what already belonged to Him.

3. The Widow at Zarephath – Giving in Faith
   In 1 Kings 17:8-16, a widow in Zarephath demonstrated her love and faith in God by giving her last meal to the prophet Elijah. Her willingness to prioritize God's servant over her own immediate needs resulted in divine provision that sustained her household throughout the famine.

4. Mary – The Costly Act of Worship
   Mary, the sister of Lazarus, showed extravagant love for Jesus by anointing His feet with costly perfume (John 12:3). Despite criticism from Judas Iscariot, who claimed the perfume could have been sold and given to the poor, Jesus commended her act, recognizing it as true worship.

5. The Early Church – A Community of Givers
   In the early church, believers sold their possessions and shared with those in need, ensuring that no one lacked (Acts 4:32-35). Their love for God was not just professed; it was practical. They understood that their resources were meant to advance God's kingdom.

Why Should We Give?

• Giving Demonstrates Trust – When we give, we acknowledge that God is our source, not our bank accounts. "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10).

• Giving Advances God's Work – Ministries, missions, and churches thrive through the generosity of God's people. Paul commended the Macedonian churches for giving beyond their ability to support the work of the gospel (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

• Giving Reflects God's Nature – God is a giver. "For God so loved the world that He gave..." (John 3:16). If we claim to love God, we should reflect His generous nature.

A Call to True Worship

True love for God is holistic—it encompasses our words, actions, and resources. We cannot say we love God while withholding from His work. As Jesus challenged Peter, "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17), so He challenges us today. Our answer should not just be in words but in our willingness to invest in His kingdom.

So, the next time you lift your hands in worship and say, "I love You, Lord," let it not be empty words. Let your love be evident in your giving. After all, love that costs nothing is worth nothing.