Giving Between God and People

The Main Idea of the Lecture

This lecture focuses on the concept of mutual giving between God and humanity, as lived in the Apostolic Era. Giving was not one-sided, but a continuous relationship of love and self-offering: God gives first, and human beings respond with obedience, love, and service.

First: Giving in the Apostolic Era

• The Apostolic Era was marked by spiritual and material mutual giving.
• God gave the apostles the Holy Spirit, granting them power, courage, the word, and remembrance, and they gave these gifts to the people through preaching and teaching.
• The apostles offered their entire lives to God: time, effort, obedience, and witness.

Second: The Giving of the People and the Church

• The people offered their possessions to the Church, and the Church distributed according to need.
• All things were held in common, through voluntary giving that flowed from the heart, not by law.
• Many offered their homes to become churches as an expression of their love for God.

Third: The Principle of Mutual Giving

• God gives life, and humanity gives the heart.
• God gives the commandment, and humanity gives obedience and trust.
• God gives talents, and humanity uses them for the glory of God.
• Giving includes body and spirit, work and service, time and rest.

Fourth: The Virtue of Giving in Daily Life

• Giving is not limited to money, but includes kind words, encouragement, advice, and service.
• No day should pass without giving.
• God desires that we give with joy, generosity, secrecy, and wisdom.

Fifth: The Highest Form of Giving

• The greatest giving is the giving of oneself: offering one’s life, or at least one’s time and effort.
• In giving appear the virtues of love, asceticism, faith, and joy.
• Whatever we give to others, we truly offer to God Himself.

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