Giving the offering is an act of gratitude to God

God fills us with grace!

Through His Love and His Will expressed by the words "Let there be Light!", God created heaven and Earth. He created water, sowed all species of fauna and flora. He created lights in the sky to distinguish day from night, to mark seasons, days and years, then He created man and woman to graciously benefit from all His blessings [1]. In return, what can man and woman offer to God as a reward for His efforts, for His Goodness? The mere recognition of God as the Supreme Creator of the Worlds and mankind's acceptance to live according to His Laws, His Commandments and His Will are enough to fulfill the Heavenly Father. This recognition is also manifested in the daily lives of people who worship God and make offerings to Him for all His blessings.

Spiritual meaning of the offering

Spiritually, the offering is a reward given to God in recognition of His blessings in man's daily life. Examples: one can make an offering to God to thank Him for giving us good health throughout the year; to thank Him for allowing us to recover from a long and trying illness; to thank Him for sparing us from a terrible death in an accident; for finally allowing us to have a child; for allowing us to prosper in our professional activities; for succeeding in an exam or competition; for getting a job after so many years of suffering, etc.

Furthermore, when faithful believers recognize the good works of God's servants in the exercise of their pious missions on earth, these faithful, filled with joy, can freely decide, in faith, to contribute to the success of their missions by giving a specific, circumstantial offering to God, which will consist, for example, in helping to build a place of worship worthy of God's Holy Name, as was the case for many heads of families who, "upon their arrival at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, made freewill offerings for the house of God, to restore it on its site"[2].

What should we give as an offering?

We should give to God as an offering what is most dear to our hearts, as the scripture says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." [3]. In times past, Abraham offered the best heads of his livestock to God as an offering. At another time, to thank the Eternal God for His protection, each of the war chiefs gave to Moses, as an offering to the Eternal, gold objects, chains, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces [4]. Today, times have changed so offerings must be diversified both in kind and in currency. Examples: a woman who does not have sufficient means can give as an offering her new complete outfit of fabric that is most dear to her heart, etc.

How to give the offering?

We give the offering for a specific and punctual purpose when we sincerely feel it. One must therefore give with one's heart and not seek to please men. It must be given discreetly in communion with God who sees everything. Unlike the tithe which goes from God to Men (from top to bottom), the offering goes from Men to God (from bottom to top). It emanates intuitively from man in recognition of God's Grace and unfailing protection.

Why give an offering?

Even if the offering is not obligatory like the tithe (which is a Law of God), it still holds a character of spiritual and moral recognition that puts man in a disposition of manifestation and expression of his faith toward God. The offering liberates the heart of the faithful believer and helps him express his joy and faith in recognition of God's Love, Mercy, and Forbearance.

When should one give an offering?

To give an offering, one must first be grateful. For an intrinsically selfish person, who is little or not at all altruistic, will never feel the desire to give an offering. There is no specific period or date, but each person must feel it in their heart according to God's blessings toward them.

Where and to whom should one give the offering?

All children of God who have faith and are grateful can give offerings to God. The offering can be given wherever one feels it and to whomever one wishes. This can be done in a place of worship or outside the place of worship, wherever the opportunity arises.

In a place of worship, the offering is always intended for God. However, it can be given directly to a servant of God who has saved someone through God's Power. In fact, this offering is given to God who in turn gives it to His servant who has faithfully accomplished his mission.

Similarly, an offering given to someone in need is actually offered to God who in turn offers it to the poor person. Spiritually, it happens as follows: God acts on the one who feels compelled to give an offering so that they are directed toward the person in need. This is only possible when the offering is given with joy in the heart, in recognition of God. In all other cases where the giver wants to be seen, is hypocritical, or acts under any kind of pressure, God does not recognize the offering and does not intervene. Good internal disposition and discretion must be the rule.

What to do when receiving an offering?

A person who receives an offering must first express gratitude toward God, thank Him in a prayer full of joy, then sincerely thank the one who gave the offering. The received offering must be put to good use because it is a gift from God.

In a place of worship, the offering can be used to pay expenses, to build or rehabilitate the place of worship..., in accordance with the wish of the faithful who makes the offering. Example: a faithful person can make an offering intended to pay the electricity bill, water, candles, flowers, chairs, etc.

[1] Genesis 1, 2, [2] Ezra 2:68, [3] 2 Corinthians 9:7, [4] Numbers 37:48-50

Important: Please help to make the Truth known by SHARING it with as many people as you can. GOD WILL BLESS YOU !

AGA News - TIA Lazare

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