Feb 20 – What Shall I Render?

“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12)

David’s heart overflowed with gratitude as he reflected on all the goodness the Lord had shown him. His soul longed to rejoice and praise the Lord who had exalted him so greatly. Not only that, his heart also desired to give back, to the best of his ability, to the Lord who had loved him so faithfully. He even desired that all his wealth might be used for the benefit of the saints of God.

One of the greatest privileges we have on this earth is the privilege of giving unto the Lord. When we give to the Lord, His heart rejoices—and so does ours.

Once, when my father attended a series of spiritual meetings held in Nagercoil, one family joyfully bore the entire expense of those meetings. When he later inquired about it, the sister from that family shared this testimony: “Sir, one day I was meditating on the widow who put her two small coins into the offering box—which was all that she had to live on. I prayed to the Lord, asking Him to help me understand what it truly meant that she gave everything. Then the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘Give the income from your possessions for the work of the Lord, so that the gospel may be proclaimed.’ That is why I took responsibility for the expenses of these meetings.”

As she shared this, my father said he could see great joy shining on her face. Truly, as our beloved Lord Jesus taught, it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

When we show compassion and give to the poor, the Lord considers it as though He Himself has received it as a loan. Whenever we give to the poor, the needy, and widows, the Lord repays us. Whatever we give to the Lord’s servants and to His work, He is gracious to return—not merely what we gave, but abundantly more, even a thousandfold.

Has He not promised to open the windows of heaven? Do you desire to be lifted up? Do you long for your labour and toil to be blessed? Do you want to be the head and not the tail, above and not beneath? Then give generously toward the work of the Lord. You will surely witness the Lord performing wonders in your life.

Beloved children of God, whenever you give to the Lord, do not give money alone—offer also your talents, your abilities, your time, and even your very selves.

Verse for further meditation: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)