When You Give

This exploration of Biblical giving challenges us to examine our relationship with money and generosity through the lens of Scripture. Beginning with the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, we discover that giving to God isn't a New Testament invention or merely an Old Testament law—it's a timeless principle woven throughout Scripture from the very beginning. Abel gave the fat portions from the firstborn of his flock, while Cain gave merely 'some' of his fruits, teaching us that God desires our first and our best, not our leftovers. The message traces this principle through Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek and Jacob's promise at Bethel, showing how giving has always been about acknowledging God as both our Lord and the source of all our blessings. What's particularly striking is the New Testament perspective: rather than lowering the bar, Jesus raises it, reminding us that our entire lives—not just 10%—belong to God. We're not owners but stewards of everything He's entrusted to us. When we give generously and secretly we cultivate hearts that hunger for God Himself—our ultimate inheritance and reward.