Saturday: Jesus Endorses Generous Giving

BIG IDEA: When it comes to giving our treasures, we should start with “In the Beginning, God.”

Scripture: Matthew 23:23"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus acknowledges the importance of tithing, but He critiques the religious leaders for missing the bigger picture of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He underscores that true giving isn’t just about meticulous calculation but about the heart from which it flows. Jesus affirmed that tithing is essential, yet it must accompany the love of God and love for others. Giving is a complex exercise that demands spiritual earnestness and compassion beyond simply fulfilling an obligation.

This day’s reflection calls us to examine our hearts. Are we giving out of duty or genuine love? Jesus invites us to align our financial practices with a life devoted to justice and mercy. It means giving with joy and with an understanding that our resources have a greater purpose—shaped by Kingdom values and driven by love. Our faith walks hand-in-hand with how and why we give, seeking for our actions to mirror God’s love and compassion.

Action Step: Pray and ask God to reveal areas in your life where you can apply justice, mercy, and faithfulness alongside giving. Determine to practice a generosity that goes beyond duty.

Song of the Day: "What Would Jesus Do?” CAIN - WWJD (Lyric Video)