The Heart of Giving: A Deep Dive into Faithful Stewardship

In a recent sermon, Pastor Darrell Runyan, delved into the profound themes of faith, stewardship, and the essence of giving with a joyful heart. This blog post will break down the key insights from the message, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to guide you in your journey of faithful stewardship.

Understanding What Makes God Happy

The Importance of Intentions

Pastor Runyan began by emphasizing the importance of understanding what makes God happy. He uses the example of a happily married couple, Brother Tippett and his wife, Sharon, to illustrate that actions alone are not enough; the intentions behind those actions matter. Just as Sharon would not be pleased if Brother Tippett were faithful to her only out of obligation, God desires our actions to stem from love and gratitude.

Actionable Advice:

• Reflect on your motivations for giving. Are you giving out of love and gratitude, or out of a sense of obligation?

• Cultivate a heart that seeks to please God through genuine intentions, not just outward actions.

The Concept of Stewardship

Beyond Financial Matters

Stewardship encompasses more than just financial matters. It includes our finances, time, and thought life. These areas act as dashboard lights, signaling when something is amiss in our lives.

Actionable Advice:

• Regularly assess your finances, time, and thought life. Are there areas that need attention or adjustment?

• Address underlying issues rather than merely reacting to symptoms. For example, if you are constantly stressed about money, look at your spending habits and financial planning.

The Story of Zacchaeus

Prioritizing Relationship Over Wealth

Look at the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who sought to see Jesus. Despite his riches, Zacchaeus did not allow his wealth to hinder his relationship with God. In contrast, another wealthy man turned away from Jesus due to his attachment to his possessions.

Actionable Advice:

• Evaluate your relationship with material wealth. Are your possessions hindering your relationship with God?

• Follow Zacchaeus's example of true repentance and generosity. Consider how you can use your resources to bless others.

The Heart of Giving

Love as the Central Theme

True giving comes from a heart that recognizes the goodness of God. He warns against giving out of obligation and reminds the audience that God loves a cheerful giver.

Actionable Advice:

• Cultivate a joyful attitude toward giving. Reflect on the blessings you have received and let gratitude guide your generosity.

• Avoid giving with the expectation of receiving something in return. True love is giving without expecting anything back.

The Principle of Tithing

Giving the First Fruits

The tithe is not just 10% but the first 10%. It’s about giving God the first fruits of what we receive, stepping out in faith, and trusting that more will come.

Actionable Advice:

• Practice giving the first portion of your income to God. This act of faith demonstrates trust in His provision.

• Reflect on the story of Abel and Cain. Aim to give your best and first to God, not just a portion.

Overcoming a Greedy Heart

Generosity as a Path to Joy

Happiness does not come from having everything go your way but from having a heart willing to give. He encourages listeners to overcome a greedy heart and be generous.

Actionable Advice:

• Regularly practice acts of generosity, even in small ways. This helps condition your heart to be more giving.

• Remember where you came from and how God has blessed you. Let this remembrance fuel your desire to give back.