Giving is a Blessing

As Orthodox Christians, the Bible is clear throughout its pages that we're called to give generously. In the OT Exodus chapter 35 we see the Israelites all generously giving the materials and time to build the tabernacle. If any of those people decided to withhold the materials they owned or the skills they had, the tabernacle wouldn't have come together. Furthermore, in Malachi 3:10-12, giving is the one thing God tells us to test him in. On the other hand, in the NT God himself gave His only Son (John 3:16) because he loves us so much, and that Son died on a cross for us. It sets a model that generosity in God's people should be private and sacrificial. The Widow's Mite is an example of a giving behavior that is generous, cheerful and without expectations. Let us all imitate her!