[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 16/Mar/2025]
Many people will be surprised to learn how much the Bible talks about money. There are numerous verses in the Old and New Testament about caring for the poor. Jesus himself said: “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6 v24) and told parables about the dangers of greed. 1 Timothy 6 v10 says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”.
Unfortunately there are prosperity preachers who ignore these Bible verses and who use people’s love of money to entice them to give to their church, promising that if they give, God will give them back far more. These people become trapped in a modern Ponzi scheme, where they become impoverished while their leaders become billionaires. I am thankful that in our church the members have access to the accounts, which show that all the money given is used well, for the upkeep of the church, payment of modest salaries and gifts to missionary work and other good causes.
It is true that the Bible promises to bless those who give to God’s work (see Malachi 3 v 10), but this should never be our motive for giving. We give out of gratitude for all that God has given us, out of responsibility to support the work of our church and out of a sense of justice, as we are so rich compared with most people in the world. When I have a house with clean water and flush toilets and access to free healthcare, it is only fair to give to those who lack these things. As Paul said
“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.”
2 Corinthians 8 v13-14
My father was a very generous giver and the more he gave the more God blessed him financially, with unexpected job offers and promotions. However, the greatest benefit he got from giving was that it led to freedom from the love of money, contentment with a simple lifestyle and joy in helping others.
2 Corinthians 9 v7 says: “God loves a cheerful giver”.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: How Much Wisdom Do We Have? by Michael Goble
Contributed by Helen Ruffhead; © Helen Ruffhead