Give

We give because…

• …God has given us so much.  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). God has given us the greatest treasure: eternal life in Jesus’ name.
• …it is a privilege and a blessing.  “Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10). “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
• …it is a natural result of being a Christian.  Jesus said to his disciples, “when you give” not “if you give” (Matthew 6:2). He expected his followers to be givers. Christians give naturally because of their connection to Christ.
• …it is an act of worship.  Jesus warned his disciples not to give for the sake of being admired by men. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them,” he said (Matthew 6:1). Whatever we offer, whether it be time, talent, or treasure, we offer to God, not to people. Jesus said, “When you give . . . ; your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4). When we give, we are not simply adding to the church budget, we are exercising our faith and worshipping our God. If we are just giving to mark off a line on our spiritual checklist, we are merely involved in charity and we are missing out on the great joy of presenting offerings to the Lord.

The Eastside Lutheran family rejoices in the Lord for your support!