Reply To: Covenant Of Wealth Discussion Board 1

[obiamonu]

The story of The Widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8-16NKJV illustrates the principles of giving. In this narrative, the prophet Elijah meets a poor widow during a severe famine. Despite her desperate situation, the widow gives her last bit of food to Elijah, and in return, she experiences miraculous provision.
1. Giving with a Willing Heart (Sacrificial Giving)
In 1 Kings 17, the widow is preparing her last meal for herself and her son when Elijah asks her for food. Despite having only, a handful of flour and a little oil, she agrees to give some to the prophet. This act demonstrates sacrificial giving—offering not from abundance but from scarcity. The widow’s willingness to give even when she had so little shows that giving is not about the quantity but about the heart behind the action. This principle is echoed in the New Testament by Jesus in Mark 12:41-44 NKJV, where He praises the poor widow who gave her last two coins, noting that she gave more than those who gave out of their abundance.

2. Giving Unlocks Divine Provision
After the widow gave to Elijah, her jar of flour and jug of oil miraculously never ran dry during the famine, as promised by God through the prophet (1 Kings 17:14-16 NKJV). This demonstrates the principle that giving can unlock divine provision. Throughout Scripture, God promises that those who give generously will be blessed. For example, Proverbs 11:24-25NKJV says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Similarly, in the New Testament, Luke 6:38 NKJV teaches, ” Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”.”

3. Faith in God’s Promises
The widow’s willingness to give required faith. When Elijah asked her for food, he assured her that God would provide. Her decision to give despite her limited resources reflects trust in God’s promises. This principle is crucial because faith is at the heart of giving. In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV emphasizes this when Paul writes, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [a]bountifully will also reap [b]bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [c]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” Faithful giving acknowledges that God is our ultimate provider and that He will take care of our needs when we trust Him.

4. Giving Blesses Others and Invites Blessings in Return
The widow’s gift not only provided for Elijah but also brought blessings to her household. Through her generosity, she and her son survived the famine. This principle teaches that giving is a means of blessing others, which often leads to blessings in return. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 19:17 NKJV says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” In the New Testament, Acts 20:35 NKJV reminds believers, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving often creates a ripple effect of blessing that extends far beyond the initial act, impacting both the giver and the recipient. In Genesis 14:18-20NKJV, Abraham gives a tithe (10%) of all his spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God. This is one of the earliest examples of giving in the Bible, illustrating that generosity honors God and is a response to His blessings.
In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 tells of the churches in Macedonia, who gave generously despite their extreme poverty. Paul praises their sacrificial giving, showing that true generosity is not about the amount but the heart’s desire to give.
Conclusion
The story of the Widow of Zarephath illustrates key principles of giving: sacrificial giving, unlocking divine provision, faith in God’s promises, and being a blessing to others. These principles are echoed throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, showing that giving is central to living a life that honors God. When we give generously, whether out of abundance or scarcity, we not only bless others but also open ourselves to the fullness of God’s provision and blessings.