“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40, CSB)
This promise is one of the hardest to write about. It has been abused, used to steal from God’s lambs, and deployed as an agent for controlling others through judgmentalism. Yet, despite all that baggage, the promise is accurate, although not always in easily seen ways.
The problems we often encounter with this promise are the expectations we put on the gift and the reward. We give as an investment, not because it is the right thing to do but because of a hoped-for return. We give with strings attached, expecting something in return in the form of power or influence. We expect cash in return when God says that our reward is in heaven. Jesus said, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20, CSB) We don’t give to get; we give to bless.
God invites us to give in two ways. The Bible encourages giving to the poor and the church’s mission. For example, “The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27, CSB) And “Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.” (Malachi 3:10, CSB) And yet, our gifts must be freely given and not out of compulsion (2 Cor 9:7).
The blessing of God from this promise flows in many forms. God will see to our needs. That could be the unexpected “check in the mail, ” or that our oil doesn’t run out, our shoes last longer, or the many ways God pushes away the devourer from our lives. Our hearts prosper as we experience the peace and purpose of God in giving. By giving, we have stored up treasure in heaven.
Although we do not solicit funds or charge for our materials, Lambchow donates to another ministry that helps the poor and needy worldwide. However, Lambchow does not provide direct financial assistance in response to email requests. Our family’s lifetime habit has been to tithe to the church and give offerings above that. We aren’t rich, and yet we prosper in many ways. God’s promise is trustworthy.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- Matthew 25:40
- Mark 9:41
- Proverbs 28:27
- Isaiah 58:10
- Malachi 3:10
- Proverbs 11:25
- 2 Corinthians 9:6
- Matthew 5:7
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
- 2 Chronicles 15:7
- Psalm 41:1
- 2 Corinthians 9:8
- Proverbs 19:17
- Luke 6:38
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