Gifts of God’s Varied Grace
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8
In considering being stewards of God’s gifts – using them wisely to His glory rather than neglecting or misusing them for ungodly purposes – we have been looking at how we use our time and talents. Indeed, dedicating our abilities to God is a form of giving – really, giving back to God Himself. Paul describes this a few verses before our text when he urges the Romans to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 21:1) Realizing God’s gifts to us – life, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life – it becomes our joy and privilege to use our time and talents in serving Him.
In our text, though, we are urged to give with liberality, with generosity. Specifically, we can look at our monetary support of our churches and synod and examine whether we give stingily, putting whatever is left at the end of the week in the collection plate, or whether we prioritize our offerings. Note that the Bible does not tell us specifically how much to give; rather, it focuses on our attitude when we give: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6).
Whether we give pennies, like the widow giving her mites, or millions of dollars, let us pray that God gives us the heart of a cheerful giver, so that we give generously and with joy to support the work of His Kingdom.
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from thee.
The Lutheran Hymnal 441:1