Giving is a principle that reflects God’s love and invites His blessings into our lives. Both the KJV Bible and Ellen G. White’s writings emphasize that giving leads to spiritual growth, joy, and a closer relationship with God. Through selfless acts of generosity, we meet the needs of others while cultivating a Christ-like character. The stories of the woman with the alabaster box and the widow who made Elijah a cake beautifully illustrate the blessings of giving—demonstrating faith, sacrifice, and trust in God's provision.
Biblical Foundation of Giving
The Bible frequently highlights the rewards of giving, teaching that generosity invites God’s abundant blessings:
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you... For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”This verse underscores the principle of reciprocity: when we give with a generous heart, we open ourselves to God’s overflowing grace.
Proverbs 11:25 – “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”Giving nourishes both the receiver and the giver, reinforcing the idea that generosity enriches our lives spiritually and emotionally.
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “God loveth a cheerful giver.”Giving should come from the heart, motivated by love rather than compulsion, reflecting the joy and generosity of God Himself.
Ellen White’s Teachings on Giving
Ellen White consistently taught that giving is essential for personal spiritual growth and for advancing God’s work:
Giving as a Privilege: In Counsels on Stewardship, she wrote, “God has made men His stewards... to be carefully cherished and used for the benefit of humanity.” Everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for the well-being of others.
Spiritual Growth through Giving: In The Ministry of Healing, White explained that giving fosters humility, compassion, and a Christ-like character:
“The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character.”
Joy and Fulfillment: White taught that the joy of giving transcends material wealth. She noted in Counsels on Stewardship, “The joy of seeing others relieved from distress is a reward that no money can buy.”
Eternal Reward: Referencing Matthew 6:20, she reminded believers that giving stores up eternal treasures: “Every act of self-sacrifice... allies him more closely to the Redeemer.”
The Woman with the Alabaster Box (Matthew 26:6-13)
This story presents a powerful example of sacrificial giving. A woman anoints Jesus with expensive ointment, an act criticized by some disciples but commended by Jesus:“Verily I say unto you... Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached... there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” (Matthew 26:13, KJV)
Application in the Context of Giving
Sacrificial Giving: The alabaster ointment was highly valuable, yet the woman gave it willingly, demonstrating that true giving involves offering something precious without expecting anything in return.
Love and Worship: Her act was driven by love and gratitude, making it a form of worship. Ellen White noted in The Desire of Ages: “At great personal sacrifice she had purchased... the ointment... to anoint His body.”
Legacy of Generosity: Jesus declared that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached, illustrating the eternal impact of selfless giving.
The Widow Who Made Elijah a Cake (1 Kings 17:8-16)
During a severe famine, God instructed Elijah to seek sustenance from a poor widow in Zarephath. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow obeyed Elijah’s request to make him a small cake first. In return, God miraculously provided for her, ensuring that her flour and oil never ran out until the famine ended.
Application in the Context of Giving
Faith in Giving: Despite facing starvation, the widow gave in faith, trusting Elijah’s promise of God’s provision. Her story highlights the importance of trusting God even when resources are scarce.
God’s Provision: Elijah’s assurance aligns with Luke 6:38—when we give, God faithfully provides for our needs. Ellen White, in Prophets and Kings, emphasized: “God chose this woman... because, in her poverty, she had a heart to care for the needs of God’s servant.”
Spiritual and Material Blessings: The widow’s obedience brought not only material sustenance but also spiritual growth. Her faith grew as she witnessed God’s continued provision.
Parallels Between the Two Stories
Both stories illustrate several key principles of giving:
Selflessness and Sacrifice:
The woman with the alabaster box gave a costly ointment to honor Jesus.
The widow gave her last meal to sustain Elijah.
Both acts involved personal sacrifice, demonstrating that true giving often requires placing others’ needs above our own.
Faith and Trust in God:
The widow trusted Elijah’s promise of divine provision.
The woman’s act of anointing Jesus reflected her belief in His mission.
These stories show that giving is an act of faith, trusting that God will supply all our needs.
Eternal Legacy:
Jesus promised that the woman’s act of generosity would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached.
The widow’s story remains a testament to faith and generosity.
Ellen White emphasized that God values the heart behind the gift, noting in Counsels on Stewardship: “The little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight.”
Conclusion
The stories of the woman with the alabaster box and the widow who made Elijah a cake exemplify the blessings of giving. Both women acted in faith, love, and selflessness, demonstrating that true giving involves personal sacrifice and trust in God’s provision. The Bible and Ellen White’s writings consistently affirm that giving not only meets the needs of others but also brings spiritual enrichment, joy, and eternal rewards.
In a world that often prioritizes personal gain, these stories remind us that giving reflects God’s love and invites His blessings into our lives. By giving with a cheerful heart, we align ourselves with God’s character, experience the joy of service, and leave a lasting legacy of faith. Truly, as Acts 20:35 states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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