THE HEART OF GIVING: STORIES THAT INSPIRE, REVEAL, AND AWAKEN
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Blog link https://www.otakada.org/the-heart-of-giving-stories-that-inspire-reveal-and-awaken/
Monday, July 14th, 2025
STORY ONE: SARAH — THE WIDOW WHO GAVE WITHOUT HAVING A BUSINESS
Sarah was 64, gray-haired, wrinkled from time and tears, and had lost her husband of 40 years. She had no children and no booming business. What she had was a heart that still beat with faith. Her only income came from a widow’s pension—a barely-there monthly support.
And yet, Sarah gave.
Not because she had abundance, but because she had compassion. She noticed the neighbor’s children often went to school hungry. She began sharing her little pot of rice. When the local church needed someone to sweep before service, she was there—broom in one hand, prayer in the other.
One day, a woman she had once cared for during a health crisis returned. She had since become a successful caterer. Moved by Sarah’s kindness, she gave her a small food stall, complete with utensils and ingredients. That humble beginning became “Sarah’s Kitchen”, now serving over 300 people daily, providing both nourishment and employment.
Reflection: You don’t need a company to be generous. All you need is compassion. God doesn’t multiply greed; He multiplies generosity.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over…” — Luke 6:38
STORY TWO: TONY — THE RICH MAN WHO GAVE FROM SURPLUS, NOT SACRIFICE
Tony wore designer suits, drove high-end vehicles, and sat on multiple company boards. His giving record in the church was impressive—he sponsored mission trips, gave big at fundraising galas, and even had a seat named after him in the new sanctuary.
But Tony’s giving came from the leftover column of his ledger. It never hurt. It never changed his schedule. It never reached beyond convenience. It was philanthropy without passion, charity without Christ.
When a major economic downturn hit, Tony’s businesses took a hit. And just like that, his giving stopped. The flashy checks dried up. People he once supported remembered the gifts, but not the giver.
Reflection: God isn’t impressed by your wallet—He’s moved by your willingness. Giving without love is like a candle without flame—present but powerless.
“If I give all I possess to the poor but do not have love, I gain nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:3
❌ STORY THREE: EMMANUEL — THE TALENTED MAN WHO NEVER GAVE
Emmanuel had it all—skill, a steady job, a respected reputation, and a digital agency making profits. He also had deep resentment. “Why give to the church?” he’d argue. “Pastors misuse money. Offerings go to jets, not Jesus!”
So Emmanuel served. He sang in the choir. He volunteered at tech summits. But he never gave a kobo to the work of God. He let human failure poison divine instruction.
Years later, when he lost his job and needed help, it was the same ministry he criticized that stepped in—paying his rent, feeding his kids, praying for him.
He broke down in tears.
Reflection: Don’t let the misuse of gifts by others stop your obedience to the Giver of life. You’re not giving to man—you’re honoring God.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
NOW, LET’S LOOK AT THE LEADERS…
STORY FOUR: PASTOR GREG — JETS, MANSIONS, AND A MISSED MANDATE
Pastor Greg once preached fire from the pulpit. Crowds gathered. Offerings flowed like rivers. Soon came the flashy cars, private jets, exotic vacations, and luxury real estate. But the children’s ministry leaked, the community around the church lived in poverty, and the widows of the church often begged quietly.
He began teaching more on “seed for luxury” and less on “giving to meet need.”
It all came crashing down when a whistleblower revealed financial abuse. His name hit headlines—not for revival, but for reputation rot. Many fell from the faith, wounded by the one who was meant to feed them.
Reflection: Leadership is stewardship, not ownership. We are carriers of what belongs to Christ, not consumers of the people’s sacrifice.
“Woe to the shepherds who feed only themselves!” — Ezekiel 34:2
STORY FIVE: BISHOP RAYMOND — GOOD INTENTIONS, NO ACCOUNTABILITY
Bishop Raymond had a heart for missions. He built schools, held free clinics, and gave to orphanages. But his major flaw? No transparency. There were no financial reports. No external audits. No public accountability. Just trust.
At first, people gave generously. But questions began to rise: “Where does the money go?” “Who makes the decisions?” Even faithful givers grew weary—not because they doubted his sincerity, but because they lacked visibility.
Reflection: Even good intentions need godly systems. Hidden things—even holy ones—can erode trust.
“Let everything be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40
✅ STORY SIX: REV. ABIGAIL — THE SHEPHERD WITH A KINGDOM HEART
In a dusty village, Rev. Abigail led a small but powerful church. Every tithe and offering was recorded and published on a monthly board. Decisions were made by a council, not just one person. Her church drilled wells, paid school fees, and ran vocational training for women and youth.
Though she didn’t wear designer clothes or preach to millions, she lived what she preached.
The people trusted her. Even unbelievers donated. Her church became a hub of healing, hope, and harvest.
Reflection: When stewardship is visible and sacrificial, giving becomes contagious. Impact breeds more impact.
“They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” — 2 Corinthians 8:3
TAKEAWAY: WHICH STORY IS YOURS? WHICH ONE WILL YOU WRITE?
Are you giving from a place of love or leftovers?
Are you leading with accountability or control?
Are you modeling the Acts Church—where giving was a movement, not just a moment?
Now is the time to reclaim giving from manipulation, from fear, from religious duty—and place it back where it belongs: in love.
READY TO GIVE IN LOVE?
Your giving helps us reach more souls, build sustainable impact, and expand God’s kingdom with integrity.
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✍ Shalom,
Ambassador Monday O. OGBE
https://www.otakada.org
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