Modern Christianity has terribly corrupted both the meaning and beauty of liberality. Giving has turned into a show designed to bring honour and praise to those doing the giving. God never intended giving to be so perverted. For this reason, the apostle Paul declared that the bountiful giving of the saints caused thanks to be given to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). The more they gave, the more thanks God would receive (2 Corinthians 9:12). The Corinthians recognized that man should not receive personal glory for giving especially when considering the fact that one’s ability to give does not exist apart from God’s enabling. This is not to say that an individual who obeys God should not be appreciated for his obedience to God. Yet, all praise and thanks belong to God. Men should give abundantly in hopes that the Lord would receive the glory and receive many thanks.
Simply stated, prayer is talking to God. Most Christians think of prayer as simply asking and receiving from God, but the Bible points out that prayer also involves the making of requests. Both Philippians 1:4 and Philippians 4:6 mention making requests. Yet, considering the whole counsel of God indicates that prayer is not merely asking and receiving nor is it simply limited to making requests. This is why the Lord taught that prayer should include a time of praise. When asked by His disciples how they should pray, the Lord began by speaking of the greatness of the Father’s name (Matthew 6:9). Prayer often includes a time when requests are made and praise occurs. Yet, the overall purpose of prayer involves portraying the greatness of God while testifying to man’s inherent frailties.
