NEW TESTAMENT GIVING - part 2

The basis upon which new testament giving rests is the very principle of the new covenant which the LORD promised when HE said, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer 31:33) The benevolence of the LORD’s people is the direct result of the measure of grace which HE is pleased to pour out upon HIS children. Rather than their faithfulness being the cause of HIS blessing, HIS blessing is the cause of their faithfulness. This is manifested most clearly in charitable spirit which is given to those upon whom HE is pleased to conform to the image of CHRIST. The more like CHRIST a man becomes the more benevolent and kind that man is whether it has to do with finances, time, or the esteem of the brethren. When you find men with a stingy and selfish spirit you will find men who are not much blessed with the presence of CHRIST.
This is illustrated very plainly in the early church when the SPIRIT of GOD rested upon them mightily. (see Acts 4:32-35) They had little regard to personal gain and wealth, ready to distribute to others as the need arose. Ananias and Sapphira are illustrative of the flesh trying to emulate the work of the SPIRIT. They were stirred to give some but stopped short of giving all, thus manifesting their own wickedness and the weakness of the flesh.
That worship with which the LORD is pleased is that which is in “spirit and truth” as HE told the woman at the well, the FATHER seeketh such to worship HIM. The LORD expressed HIS approval of the act of the woman with the expensive alabaster box of ointment which she anointed HIM with as she bathed HIS feet with her tears. This was a costly gift but was given without regard to price by one who was moved to worship HIM. David refused the gift of sheep by Araunah saying “Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (2Sam.24:24) The LORD JESUS CHRIST gave HIS very life for us, and can we be satisfied to give HIM less? mam