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The first gifts that we read about in Scripture are the offerings made by Cain and Abel who were the sons of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 4:2-4 we read, "...Now Abel kept flocks and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of the flock." Cain and Abel, having been instructed by Adam in the knowledge of the Lord, brought offerings or gifts for the Lord. Because one worked the land and the other raised animals, their gifts were different. We read that Cain "brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering," whereas Abel "brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock."
Between the two brothers there is also an indication of difference in the attitudes of their hearts. While Cain wasn't concerned about giving the first or best of his crop, Abel brought in his best. God looked with favor upon Abel's offering. God looked into the hearts of both Cain and Abel as He looks into our hearts. He saw Abel's humble faith. In his gift, Abel showed his sincere gratitude for all that God had done for Him.
We need to understand that it's not the size of our gifts and offerings which makes them acceptable to the Lord, but rather it is the attitude of our hearts and minds toward God. God wants our gifts to be an expression of our love for Him. He wants us to give cheerfully rather than grudgingly. He wants us to give out of love through faith in Christ. We are told by the writer in Hebrews that without faith in Jesus, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). This is how the Lord has given to us, giving us His only-begotten Son. He has withheld nothing from us, and showed His love by sacrificing Jesus for us. In Christ, we are freed to give as we have been given-to.
May this story of giving by Cain and Abel help us to examine our attitude toward giving. If we are not giving our first and best out of faith and love to the Lord, God does not look with favor upon our giving. May God grant us all faithful, loving, and giving hearts.
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