TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

Please read Exodus 25:1-9

“Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.

Exodus 25:2

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

Love cannot be forced. Do you agree? When our children, spouses, or friends do something for us out of their hearts, when they visit, give gifts,  do some random chores,  accompany us to the doctor, ask how we are, and send food, we feel loved. There are times we voice out what we desire to lessen guesswork, especially for our spouses; even when so prompted, we feel warmth in our hearts when they comply because we know they do it not forcibly but with glad hearts.

God does the same in Exodus 25. God commands Israel to raise a contribution and enumerates what is needed in the temple. He didn’t make it compulsory. The contribution is only for those whose hearts were moved. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Giving to someone you love should be easy, yet this giving requires commitment. That commitment comes from a willing heart,  a heart that has been moved. Maybe God is not asking you for material things like the ones on the list. Could He be asking you to help someone? To do something for Him? Is He asking for you to spend time with Him each day, Reading His words and praying to Him? Do you need to sit still and listen for His turn to talk instead of rattling off a list for Him to do? 

Some things, though voluntary, need to be intentional. Start from what your heart moves you to do. Take time and offer your best to Him.

REFLECTION