Giving, even when visiting another church, reflects a generous spirit and honors God as part of your worship.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. And for as long as I can remember, whenever I am visiting another church during Sunday services and they pass the offering plate, I always want to give something – now sure, I realize that my tithe belongs with my own church, and the pastor always tells us visitors that we should not feel compelled to give, but still, I want to. Something inside says it’s just the right thing to do, so I will ask my friend to reach into my wallet when they pass the plate. Well, recently while reading in Exodus 23, I found the reason why. God says there, “No one is to appear before me empty-handed.” I read that and gave a sigh of not only relief, but of understanding. Look, the Lord wants to cultivate in us a generous spirit, and when we worship Him – no matter where it is – part of that worship involves giving. That’s something to remember the next time you are visiting another church.
© Joni and Friends