Many people in the church sold their land and possessions and gave the proceeds to the apostles to help the people who were in need in the church. Although they gave the proceeds to the apostles, they were offering their giving to the Lord. There was a couple who sold their property and gave to the apostles less of the proceeds that they promised to give. Ananias and Sapphira thought they would never be caught, but they didn't lie to the apostles but to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then revealed to the apostles what they did, and Peter said to Ananias, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God." Right after Peter said this, Ananias fell to the ground and died. His wife, Sapphira, entered the church right after, and she also lied. As a result, she fell to the ground and died. Because of this, many people in the church fear the Lord. (Acts 5:1-11).
God took Ananias and Sapphira's life because they lied to the Holy Spirit. Since the church was in its infant stage, God taught the church to honor and revere Him with their vows and promises. God hates lies, which is why God does not want us to lie or live in lies. Ananias and Sapphira could have been honest from the beginning, but they lied and suffered the consequences. When we give to God, we should have a heart of thankfulness and praise. We should not have hesitation. When we hesitate to give, it is better not to give because God looks at our hearts and not the amount we give. God does not need our money since He can create gold, silver, and diamonds. God cares about our hearts.
We give to God to express our thankfulness and praise for His provision. Every time I give to God, I am always thankful that I can worship Him in my giving. When we give our tithes and offering to God, we need to give out of our love and respect to God. When we help others, we need to do it for God's glory and honor.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering these questions, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you) What should be my attitude when I give my tithe and offering to God? What should I do about lying in my life? Who should I do it for when I am helping others?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, you are the God of truth, and you hate lies. Please guard my tongue and my heart from lying. May I always be sincere, and when I give my tithe and offering, may it be an expression of my love, thankfulness, and worship to you. And when I help others, may I do it to honor your name. Thank you for your goodness in my life. In Your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.