On holy days, we are not to appear before God empty-handed, as giving an offering is a vital part of the feasts. The amount given varies in importance from person to person, but the act of giving, combined with the attitude and thought behind it, holds greater significance. God desires that the principle of offering ourselves or what is ours becomes ingrained in us as a first nature, overcoming the fear of loss that often drives us to protect ourselves. This fear can lead to withholding offerings due to concerns about financial security or misfortune, yet God teaches the principle of reciprocity, where we reap what we sow. Generous giving, even in uncertainty, often results in blessings returned, as seen in the broader lesson of sowing and receiving. Offering is a regular exercise in learning that while sowing can be fearful, it is a necessary part of receiving gain.

We are here to give a gift to God, a Being who has everything, making the act of offering seem almost impossible to match His majesty and abundance. He owns the whole world and the entirety of creation, yet He requires that we give gifts to Him fairly often out of the resources He has provided us. Giving an offering is an aspect of our stewardship, and it is fitting that we give as much thought to offering a gift to Him as we would to a fellow human being. Offerings differ from tithes, as tithes are paid at a set rate, while offerings are given based on our own estimation, which can be more challenging. Two notable examples of offerings highlight key principles. In the account of David's offering, immense wealth was given willingly, amounting to vast sums in gold and silver, reflecting significant sacrifice despite his abundance. In contrast, the widow's mite, though small in monetary value, represented all she had, an extravagant sacrifice in proportion to her poverty. Both offerings were commendable to God, showing that size is less important than other factors. Jesus noted that the widow gave more than others, proportionately, as she had nothing left for herself, demonstrating profound faith that God would provide. David's offering also involved faith, expecting the work of building the Temple to continue after his death. Neither offering was given out of a grudging spirit, but with thoughtful consideration. The widow's example shows that God judges offerings individually, making a small amount potentially more valuable than a larger one based on the giver's circumstances. Key principles for giving offerings include thoughtful consideration out of love for God, a measure of sacrifice, recognition that He judges without respect of persons, giving in faith, and offering without a grudging spirit. These elements ensure that the act of giving reflects true devotion and trust in His provision.

Making offerings to God is an ancient practice, following obedience as the second act of worship mentioned in scripture. Offerings are tied to the work individuals do in their normal lives, coming from the fruit of their labors, as seen with Cain and Abel. Cain, a tiller of the ground, offered something from his fields, while Abel, a shepherd, gave from his flock. However, God does not respect all offerings; He makes a judgment based on the heart and motives behind them. Cain's offering was rejected because his attitude and character did not align with a true devotion to God, whereas Abel's offering, reflecting love toward God, was accepted. Thus, an offering can be done in vain if given with wrong motives, as God looks on the heart and sees through justifications and excuses. An offering also serves as a form of tribute, a gift or payment acknowledging submission, obligation, gratitude, or admiration to a sovereign. This fits with the covenant made with God, where He is taken as sovereign, and allegiance, obedience, and love are owed to Him. An offering symbolizes subservient status before God and gratitude for His manifold blessings. During the three holy day seasons, Israelites presented themselves before God's throne, giving offerings. Similarly, on the seven annual holy days, offerings are given when coming before God spiritually in holy convocation. God does not set a fixed amount for offerings; instead, individuals are to contemplate how much He has blessed them, acknowledging His impact on their lives through the value they assign to their offering. The principle of giving offerings also applies to the attitude with which they are given. A grudging or necessary offering, like Cain's, contrasts with an abundant, cheerful, and purposeful offering, like Abel's, which aimed to please God. Abel likely thought through his offering, recognizing God's grace and blessing as the source of his abundance, which may have been the difference between the rejection of Cain's offering and the acceptance of Abel's.

In Deuteronomy 16:16-17, God commands that three times a year, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles, all males shall appear before the LORD with an offering, giving as they are able, in proportion to the blessings He has bestowed. This directive emphasizes evaluating one's resources thoughtfully, not merely giving what is affordable, but reflecting on what has been received from Him. The challenge lies in human tendencies to under-give due to fear, self-centeredness, or failure to consider God's blessings, often forgetting His hand in their lives. Exodus 35:20 and 36:5-7 recount an extraordinary moment when the children of Israel gave so much for the sanctuary that Moses had to restrain them, as the materials were more than sufficient. This rare abundance stemmed from the spoils God provided as they left Egypt, illustrating that they had nothing to offer until He first blessed them, preparing them to give back in thanksgiving for His work, specifically the building of the Tabernacle. Deuteronomy 8:10-19 warns against forgetting the LORD after being blessed with abundance, reminding the people to bless Him in return by showing kindness and respect, acknowledging that all they have comes from His hand. Forgetting His role leads to a failure to connect life's events and blessings to Him, resulting in a lack of gratitude and giving. Seven times a year, God calls for reflection on what has been received, encouraging an offering as a monetary expression of appreciation and kindness back to Him. This act of giving, as exemplified in Mark 10:28-30, involves sacrifice, recognizing that all blessings originate from Him, and carries a promise of manifold returns for those who honor Him in this way. Like the Israelite slaves, we would have nothing to offer if not for His overflowing abundance, urging us to consider His blessings deeply and respond with generous offerings.

The concept of generously giving is emphasized as an investment in the Kingdom of God. Paul instructs the rich to be rich in good works, ready to give, and willing to share. By doing so, they are storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, which is described as truly life. This principle of generously giving is not limited to those with financial wealth but includes all who work in service, using their time, energy, talents, and intelligence. Such actions are likened to investing in the future, laying up treasures in heaven, and building a foundation for eternal life. Paul uses three metaphors to illustrate this: treasuring up, laying a good foundation, and laying hold on eternal life, urging believers to actively pursue this path with vigor and not to delay.

Christianity calls for thoughtfulness, attention, and care, qualities that must be reflected in the act of giving offerings. God commands in Deuteronomy 16 to take up an offering during times of holy convocation, urging us to combine this act with mindful consideration. Offerings are good works that facilitate acts of service, such as supporting members, ministers, and the spread of the gospel to thousands. They enable the church to keep feasts, support publications, and provide various resources. God desires that we do not give perfunctorily on holy days, but instead thoughtfully consider His blessings upon us and the needs our contributions can meet. He does not want us to simply offer and forget, adopting a detached attitude, but to actively participate in the church's work, ensuring our blessings are used effectively to fulfill needs. In Haggai 1:3-8, God emphasizes the importance of thoughtfulness in contributing to His work, correlating our participation with the blessings He bestows. He calls us to prioritize His house over our own comforts, constantly thinking of ways to help spread the gospel and feed the flock, ultimately to bring Him pleasure and glory through our mindful offerings.