“Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD…”

Exodus 35:5 (NKJV)

Recently I called someone, and it went to his voicemail. His outgoing message said, “If you are a telemarketer, you can hang up now; otherwise you can leave a message.” I understand the sentiment. I hate when someone tries to manipulate me to buy something against my will. Maybe this is the reason I never want to pressure people to give either their time or money—even if the cause is good.

Today we see where God received a collection for the tabernacle. The construction would require many materials including gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and fine linen. But God did not want anyone to feel coerced to give. God only wanted offerings that came from willing hearts.

I am saddened by how much coercion goes on in the church. Ministries pressure people to give money; people badger others to attend a meeting or to serve. Some people rely on peer pressure to wring more out of potential donors. But God simply told people to bring an offering if they were willing. God does not want us to give because of external force but because of internal love. Love sacrifices for those whom it loves.

The truth is that I am much more likely to give generously if the need is presented without pressure than if I am strong-armed to give. If my heart is stirred and my spirit is willing, then my wallet will be open! The same is true when I give of my time. I want to freely offer it when I am moved to meet a need because of love.

Without a doubt, God is pleased when we give sacrificially. Each sacrificial offering in some small way reflects the offering that Christ gave of Himself. No one took Christ’s life from Him; He willingly laid it down for us.

Is your heart being stirred to give something to someone? Why not take the next step today?

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