Giving: The “Especially” Factor

I’ve heard some people say stuffs like: ‘I prefer to give my ‘10% of my income’ or my ’main financial commitment’ to the orphanage home.” Hmm… While this sounds so logical and sensible, it does not go well with the doctrine of the Scriptures. It is not wrong to give to the orphanage, neither is it wrong to help the poor around you. But in the Law of Biblical giving for believers, there is a ‘priority’!

‘…Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, ESPECIALLY to those who belong to THE FAMILY OF BELIEVERS…’ (Gal 6:10 NIV)

Did you see that? The ‘especially’ factor? Hmm… The priority of the giving of every believer MUST be centered on the family of believers! It is not wrong to give to unbelievers or NGOs. But that is only in line with Scriptures after you have been a blessing to the family of believers! This is why your giving must FIRST be towards the spread of the Gospel of Jesus and the welfare of its recipients!

Follow this parable of Jesus carefully:

‘…Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? …And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME…’ (Matt 25:37-40)

Did you see that? You did it unto Jesus WHEN you do it to ‘even the least of HIS BRETHREN’! The family of believers are called ‘…joint-heirs with Christ…’ (Romans 8:17) We are His FAMILY!

‘…Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy ARE OF THE SAME FAMILY. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them BROTHERS AND SISTERS…’ (Heb 2:11 NIV)

Therefore, the priority is on the family of believers! The early church will sell their properties…and bring to the apostle’s feet. Why? See the Scriptures:

‘…ALL THE BELIEVERS were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ..With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all …that there were NO NEEDY PERSONS AMONG THEM. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales …and put it at the apostles’ feet, AND IT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO ANYONE WHO HAD NEED…’ (Acts 4:32-35)

Did you notice the priority of their giving? The family of believers! There was a time the entire Roman world was going to be decked with great famine. In our modern terminology, we would say the Roman nation entered into RECESSION. What did the church in Antioch do to the believers who would be affected by this famine?

‘…so the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could…’ (Acts 11:29)

Hmm… One of the most profound dictates of the new covenant states:

‘…When GOD’S PEOPLE ARE IN NEED, be ready to help them…’ (Romans 12:13 NLT)

God’s people! They carry priority! We give to God by ensuring His Gospel spread is well funded and the family of believers at our reach are well taken care of! There is a GREAT reward awaiting any believer that follows this priority rule!

‘…For GOD IS NOT UNJUST. He will NOT forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by CARING FOR OTHER BELIEVERS, as you still do…’ (Hebrews 6:10 NLT)

When the Bible says God is not unjust to forget what you do…it simply means you will be REWARDED! This reward is both in this life and in the life to come! (Mark 10:29-30) I love Rewards! And I enjoy it a lot! Hmm…

I know it sounds cool and nice to say I dedicate 10% or 15% or 20% of my income to the orphanage or ‘foundations’, but as believers let us be mindful that our reward lies in our respect for the ‘ESPECIALLY’ factor! Just follow the order. Our good deeds must be to ALL PEOPLE (believers and unbelievers) but there is an especially factor!

‘…Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to ALL people, ESPECIALLY to those who belong to THE FAMILY OF BELIEVERS…’ (Gal 6:10 NIV)

Got that? Hmm… This is why we ensure we give to ministries that teach the Gospel of Grace and also shows great love and care to the recipient of the gospel!

‘…In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it…’ (1Cor 9:14 NLT)

The priority of our giving as believers should always be centered around ministries that project the Good News of Jesus and the believers of that good news who are in need. This doesn’t mean that you don’t attend to unbelievers…only know where your priority lies when it comes to your giving.

I believe this is clear.

Remain under grace.

Amen.