Is it Really an Offering?

Last week a gentleman came into my office to make a donation. He was very emotional and passionate, and was concerned about conversations that he had been having with other Christians. He began to share how people were hesitant to give gifts, food and other items to those that are homeless. They had seen these gifts 'misused', for lack of a better word. It seemed that "the homeless" were not thankful, so it became a reason for them not to give. This led into further conversation about offerings and when we do things for others. This is the part that really hit me hard and got me to thinking.

"What does it matter?" , he said." What does it matter what they do with it? When you give an offering to the Lord, isn't it a 'waste'?" Wait!! Now what?? He then went on to explain. When the Israelites would bring their offerings to the Lord, such as a lamb or a bull. it would be burned. It was an offering. It was a 'waste'. As I listened to his heart and listened deeper, what I heard was that when we make a donation, when we bring an offering, we do it unto the Lord. It doesn't matter what happens with the offering once it's given, even if it is a 'waste'. In other words, when we give it, we give it with no strings attached or expectations of what will happen with our offering..

I have to admit that I am still having trouble with this one. I often give away some of my clothing, shoes or jewelry here at the PARC.. I want to give it to someone who will 'appreciate' it and take care of it. But Is that my business? My husband and I donate to organizations that we believe in their cause and what they are doing. We give to our church, but once we give it is it up to us to dictate and decide where that offering goes and how it is used? It is an offering unto the Lord. I believe the Lord is the one that is in charge of what happens to the gift. It is our heart behind the gift that matters. We give our best, our first to the Lord. I am still working on this one, but I am so very grateful for the conversation. It stirred my heart. It gives me pause and causes me to think and re-examine when I give, what I give and why I give. It actually encourages me to be more generous.

This verse popped up on my phone today. "Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don't worry - you'll be repaid in full for all the good you've done." Prov.19:17 I think that says it all. I think that is all that matters.