Stirred hearts and willing spirits

Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD's offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. – Exodus 35v21

The time had come to build the tabernacle, which was God’s dwelling place among the people while they wandered in the desert. God had already described it and the cost was going to be phenomenal. The people might have thought that God was just going to provide the materials so it could be built, but He had another plan.

God told those who had willing spirits to bring their offerings to the leaders for the construction of the tabernacle. It was the responsibility of the people to give, but that was not all. God did not want just anyone to give, but only those who had a willing spirit.

So they came, all those whose hearts had been stirred by God’s work and who had willing spirits brought their offerings to build the tabernacle, pay for its upkeep, and provide for the needs of the priests.

Stirred hearts and willing spirits are essential for Biblical giving. That standard had not changed for the church. God loves the cheerful giver.

It is not and never has been enough for God’s people just to give. We are wasting our time if we only give because we feel like we have to. He wants us to give willingly and cheerfully. Giving is not just the act, it must be motivated by the right kind of heart.