The daughter of a poor neighbour is getting married. You attend the occasion and put #5,000 and even wrap a small-sized cooler as a gift for the newlyweds.
The daughter of an acquaintance who is a highly placed government official weds. You attend the occasion with your spouse and gift them #50,000 and a washing machine,
For many, this is absolutely acceptable. In fact, you are probably thinking, “Am I missing something? What’s the problem with that?” So, let’s think about it.
Who will be most blessed by any gift, or #50,000 to aid in offsetting debts after a wedding? Who is most likely to have their joy as a couple marred by financial worry? Which couple will likely kneel down, and give thanks to God for you and pray for blessings on you and yours? Which couple will remember for the rest of their lives the exact debt, or trouble, or need, that 50,000 gift saved them from?
On the other hand, who may likely use up your N50,000 in one night, just to buy a bottle of some fancy drink at a 5-star hotel, on the very same night you gave it, with barely a thought as to who bore the cost?
Looking carefully at it, who will not use that washing machine in light of their already having one installed and 2 more as presents?
You were born into a society that has a habit of giving this way, as the norm, and so you go along with it. But Heaven’s King thinks differently.
When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.” Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water….. When the man in charge of the banquet tasted the water that had become wine… he called for the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the best wine first, and the cheap kind when people are drunk. But you have kept the best wine until now!” John 2:9-10
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Giving the God Way
Give your best to those who NEED it. God will reward those who help the NEEDY.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me. Matthew 25:34-36
Should we not give nice gifts to the wealthy? We should. But give far more valuable ones to the poor. Strive to make it money or something they absolutely need. This applies to funerals, naming ceremonies, and any other events.
Giving to them according to their needs is the ‘God way’ to give. You may ask them specifically in private what needs they have. But if that will present any challenge, just convert your best gift option into cash. This often is the best way to give. It’s wise to note this barely known truth: “…he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16b
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