The Heart Behind the Gift

"Christ says, 'Give me all. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.'"  - C. S. Lewis, British author, literary scholar and Anglican lay theologian (1898-1963)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 35:20-22, 29 (NIV)

Question: "If you could offer God anything, would it be your time, talents, or treasure?" 

While many believe God measures our devotion by our schedules or bank accounts, Exodus 35 reveals a deeper truth: He is more concerned with the heart than what is in our hands. 

In verses Exodus 35:21, 29 the focus is on the "why" behind the gift: God only truly values an offering given from the heart. To understand how this applies to us, let’s start by looking at the original setting of these scriptures.

Roughly 4-6 months post-Exodus, in the aftermath of the Golden Calf, Moses descends from Sinai with a renewed covenant. This event (Exodus 32-34) restores the broken relationship through divine grace, signaling a fresh start and a renewed commitment to holiness.

In the preceding verses (Exodus 35:4-19), Moses calls for voluntary contributions to build the Tent of Meeting. According to the Book of Exodus, God requested specific materials—including bronze, scarlet wool, and fine linen—provided they were given from a willing heart.

Exodus 35:20–29 shows the Israelites getting ready to build the Tabernacle. This was a tent-like temple that allowed God to travel with them and live among them while they were in the wilderness. Throughout the text, "tabernacle" and "tent of meeting" both refer to the same portable structure used as a dwelling place for God.

Next, we will look at what motivated the people's generosity. When Moses asked for tabernacle offerings in Exodus 35, the response was immediate. Instead of just donating money, they personally went to prepare their gifts (Exodus 35:21).

The Takeaway: God desires cheerful generosity, not forced or mechanical giving. The Hebrew term for "stirred" suggests a heart that is lifted up. True generosity originates when gratitude for God's blessings moves you to action. 

Rather than a specific group, the call to participate went out to all individuals whose hearts were moved to give. These willing participants contributed precious items and materials, such as gold, jewelry, yarn, and goat hair.

The Takeaway: No gift is considered "too small" if it is given with a willing heart. Just as the women spinning goat hair received as much praise as leaders donating expensive gems, God measures the sincerity of a "freewill offering" rather than its market value. 

Their actions were driven by a genuine willingness rather than compulsion. By allowing people to decide freely in their own space, Moses inspired heartfelt generosity that eventually exceeded what was needed, requiring him to tell them to stop giving.

The Takeaway: Giving motivated by love, not duty, transforms the act into worship. Ultimately, God is more interested in the heart of the giver than the value of the gift.

How Will You Apply This?:

• Am I giving because I "have to" or because I "want to"?
• How can I overcome my tendency to undervalue my contributions when I compare them to others?
• How can I prepare myself to give from a place of compassion and love, rather than to seek approval or simply go through the motions?

In summary, God isn't looking for your cash—He's looking for you. Don't let your blessings become burdens by holding on too tight. Instead, offer them up as worship and let God use your willing heart for something bigger.

Prayer: "Heavenly Father, awaken our hearts to generous giving, just as You stirred the Israelites. Let our gifts flow from love, not routine or obligation. We offer our lives as a holy sacrifice, pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Yours in Christ,

Emily