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In the time of the kings of Israel, King Joash<\/strong> (also known as Jehoash) had it in his heart to restore the Temple of the Lord<\/strong>, which had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and desecration by his predecessors\u2014especially during the reign of the wicked queen Athaliah, who promoted Baal worship and destroyed the sacred things of the house of God (2 Chronicles 24:7).<\/p>\n Understanding the importance of worship and reverence in the life of the nation, Joash recognized that proper worship could not continue without a holy and functional sanctuary<\/strong>. Therefore, he initially commanded the collection of the temple tax<\/strong>, which was originally established in the Law of Moses to maintain the Tabernacle (see Exodus 30:12\u201316).<\/p>\n 2(Chronicles 24:10, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Then all the leaders and all the people rejoiced, brought their contributions, and put them into the chest until all had given.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n However, despite assigning the Levites<\/strong> to oversee the collection and repairs, progress was slow. Joash became concerned and questioned the delay (2 Chronicles 24:6). In response, he implemented a new, Spirit-led strategy that aligns with God\u2019s heart for giving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Instead of demanding offerings through compulsion, Joash placed a chest at the entrance of the Temple<\/strong> and sent a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem inviting all who were willing to freely give<\/strong> to the Lord. This was a significant theological shift: from duty to devotion<\/strong>, and from legal obligation to loving worship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This voluntary approach reflects the very nature of God\u2019s desired relationship with His people\u2014one based on love, not legalism<\/strong>. God desires worship that flows from the heart (Isaiah 1:11\u201317; Hosea 6:6).<\/p>\n And the response of the people? It was overwhelming. They gave with joy and abundance, daily filling the chest. This generosity enabled the hiring of craftsmen to repair and restore the house of God. Eventually, there was even a surplus<\/strong> that was used to make new utensils for temple service (2 Chronicles 24:14).<\/p>\n This account anticipates the New Testament principle<\/strong> of giving taught by the Apostle Paul. Just as the people in Joash\u2019s day gave from joyful hearts, so Paul writes:<\/p>\n 2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV)<\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Giving that honors God is not based on manipulation or pressure. It must flow from faith, love, and gratitude<\/strong> for what God has already done. The grace of giving is a test of our sincerity and spiritual maturity (2 Corinthians 8:7\u20138).<\/p>\n When God\u2019s people give from the heart:<\/p>\n Worship is purified<\/strong> (Malachi 1:10\u201311)The work of ministry advances<\/strong> (Philippians 4:15\u201318)The giver is blessed spiritually and materially<\/strong> (Luke 6:38; Proverbs 11:24\u201325)The Kingdom expands<\/strong> (Acts 4:32\u201335)<\/p>\n Joash\u2019s reform teaches us that revival and restoration begin when God\u2019s people honor Him with what they have<\/strong>, giving not because they must\u2014but because they love Him.<\/p>\n As the Body of Christ today, we must move beyond ritualistic or forced giving<\/strong> and instead cultivate a culture of joyful, willing generosity<\/strong>. Leaders must teach the truth about giving without resorting to guilt or manipulation. At the same time, believers should take personal responsibility to give faithfully, regularly, and cheerfully<\/strong> (1 Corinthians 16:2).<\/p>\n When the Church reaches this level of spiritual maturity, God will pour out His blessings<\/strong>, just as He did in the days of Joash.<\/p>\n Luke 6:38, NKJV)<\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Do not wait to be pushed or reminded constantly. Let your tithes and offerings<\/strong> come from a heart full of gratitude and love for God. When you give joyfully, you are participating in His Kingdom work\u2014and He will not fail to reward you.<\/p>\n (Proverbs 3:9\u201310, NKJV)<\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Honor the Lord with your possessions, Share this message with others and encourage them to walk in the grace of giving.\n
\nTHE NEW STRATEGY: GIVING FROM A WILLING HEART<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nTHEOLOGICAL INSIGHT: GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nWHY GOD BLESSES VOLUNTARY GIVING<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nAPPLICATION FOR TODAY\u2019S CHURCH<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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