{"id":47058,"date":"2022-11-28T07:55:12","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T04:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=47058"},"modified":"2025-05-23T07:46:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T04:46:42","slug":"what-is-a-sacrifice-of-the-heart-leviticus-2221","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2022\/11\/28\/what-is-a-sacrifice-of-the-heart-leviticus-2221\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Sacrifice of the Heart? (Leviticus 22:21)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Answer: Let\u2019s read together…<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Leviticus 22:21 (ESV) says:
“And whoever offers a sacrifice of well-being to the Lord to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, that person must offer a perfect sacrifice to the Lord.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A sacrifice of the heart<\/strong> refers to an offering that the people of Israel gave to God voluntarily and with genuine affection\u2014without being commanded or obligated by any law or condition.<\/p>\n

There were sacrifices given for specific reasons, such as thanksgiving offerings, which were presented in gratitude for God’s blessings or deliverance. These had a clear purpose tied to God\u2019s intervention or favor.<\/p>\n

However, a sacrifice of the heart<\/strong> has no external reason or obligation behind it. It is simply offered because the giver desires to please God out of love and devotion\u2014not because God commanded it.<\/p>\n

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Biblical Example:<\/h3>\n

During the construction of the Tabernacle, God did not command the Israelites to contribute materials or money for the work. Yet, many were moved in their hearts to give generously out of their own free will.<\/p>\n

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Exodus 35:29 (NIV) tells us:
“All the men and women who were willing-hearted brought brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments, all kinds of gold objects, to make a sin offering for the Lord.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Similarly,<\/p>\n

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Exodus 35:21 says:
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

These people gave freely because their hearts compelled them, not because they were forced or commanded.<\/p>\n

(See also Exodus 25:2 and 2 Chronicles 29:31 for more on freewill offerings.)<\/p>\n

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Do We Still Have These Kinds of Offerings in the New Testament?<\/h3>\n

Absolutely! Such offerings are still relevant and pleasing to God, and we are encouraged to give them.<\/p>\n

Where do we read about this in the New Testament?<\/p>\n

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2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) says:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This verse highlights that God values the attitude<\/strong> of the giver more than the amount. Giving must come from a willing, joyful heart\u2014a true sacrifice of the heart.<\/p>\n

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Reflection:<\/h3>\n

Do you have a habit of giving to God out of genuine love and devotion? Or do you give simply because you feel pressured or obligated?<\/p>\n

Never stop giving to God, but always ensure that your giving flows from the heart. This kind of offering is the best and most pleasing sacrifice you can bring to the Lord.<\/p>\n

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May the Lord bless you as you learn to give with a joyful and willing heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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