Motivated By Love

Giving is a central theme of the Christian faith, but it is often misunderstood as a cold obligation or a mathematical formula. When we look at the heart of the Bible, we see that true giving isn't about the "what" or the "how much"—it’s about the "why."

The Ultimate Example of Love

To understand giving, we have to look at the nature of God. The most famous verse in the Bible,

John 3:16 -NKJV, makes the connection clear:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Notice the natural flow: because God loved, He gave. In 1 John 4:16, we are told that "God is love." Since love is His very identity, giving is His natural response. He doesn't give because He has to; He gives because of who He is. As His followers, we are called to follow this pattern. If the Father’s love lives in us, it will eventually turn us into givers too.

Why Your Attitude Matters

It is possible to do a "good deed" for the wrong reason. You can give money to a charity just to get a tax break or to look good in front of others. However, the Bible warns that giving without a heart of love is spiritually empty.

In 1 Corinthians 13:3-NKJV, the Apostle Paul writes:

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."

This is a startling statement. You could give away every penny you own or even sacrifice your life, but if the motivation isn't love, the "profit" in God’s eyes is zero. In God’s economy, the heart of the giver is more valuable than the gift itself.

The Trap of Legalism

In the time of Jesus, the religious leaders (the Pharisees) were obsessed with following the rules perfectly. They were so careful that they would even count out a tenth of their tiny spice seeds to give to the temple. But Jesus wasn't impressed.

In Matthew 23:23-NLT, He told them:

"What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law justice, mercy, and faith."

Jesus wasn't saying that giving is bad; He was saying that giving is hollow if you are mean-spirited or dishonest in your daily life. They had the math right, but their hearts were wrong. They were acting out of a sense of duty and pride rather than compassion.

A New Motivation

So, what should drive us? It shouldn't be guilt, and it shouldn't be a desire to be seen by others. Instead, we should be moved by what Christ has done for us.

In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15-NIV, Paul explains:

"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all... and he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

When we truly grasp the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice, it "compels" or pushes us to stop living selfishly. We stop asking "What’s in it for me?" and start asking "How can I serve Him?"

A Heart Check

Today, take a moment to look inward. Whether you are giving money, serving at a church, or praying for a friend, ask yourself: Am I doing this out of love, or just out of habit? Serving God should never feel like a chore; it should be a grateful response to the greatest gift ever given.

Bible Reading: Leviticus 7-9

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Motivated By Love

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