Financial Fruit of the Spiritنموونە

Word #1: Love

Money is like love. It slowly and painfully destroys the one who withholds it and enriches the other who uses it for the good of his/her neighbour. Financial fruitfulness comes from using our money to love others. To love is to give.

The Greek word which is used for love is ‘agape,’ which carries the meaning of sacrificial giving. ‘Agape’ love is not a feeling but a conscious choice; a commitment to willingly sacrifice for love of God's work amongst the people He created and whom He loves – believers or not!

Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

If we apply our money to God’s work, then that’s where our heart will be – with God's work! A very strong motivation to grow spiritually is to give to God's work – our heart follows our money! If you want a heart for the lost – give to evangelistic movements. If you want a heart for the church – support your local congregation financially. If you want a strong marriage - love your partner by planning and managing your finances together.

The dimensions of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 have a lot to do with money:

• Love is patient. We can learn not to make impulsive buying decisions or to enter into debt, but wait and save for what we want to purchase.
• Love is kind. I can be generous and freely give my time, treasure and talents.
• Love does not envy. I can be happy for what another has been able to buy and can be content and thankful for what I have.
• Love does not boast or is arrogant. I can meditate on the fact that all I have in my possession has been given by God out of His grace.
• Love does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful. I can learn how to manage my money God’s way. He is in control and gives me whatever I need, in His time.
• Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. I need to be honest and truthful in all my financial dealings and reporting.
• Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. When we believe we do not own anything but hold what we have in trust, then we can trust God and be thankful in any circumstances we find ourselves in.