We all know the Bible tells us that obedience is more important than sacrifice! But I believe it should be: Gratitude is more important than sacrifice! Why do I say gratitude is more important than sacrifice? In our generation, we often don't know gratitude! We often take everything for granted. We take it for granted that we can breathe every day. We take it for granted that the sun rises every day. We take everything for granted. When we feel we are inferior to others, we start to complain and feel that God owes us something! Especially since we know there is a Creator in this world, we feel that the Creator treats us unfairly. We often say: Why is the Creator good to this person and that person, but not to me? We often complain that the Creator always gives us less than others. These are some of the problems everyone encounters in modern society. We should all reflect on what truth the true Bible wants us to understand: Gratitude is more important than sacrifice.
We often "offer sacrifices. " Why do we "offer sacrifices"? There are thanksgiving sacrifices, atonement sacrifices, and customary festival sacrifices. When we offer atonement sacrifices, do we sincerely repent for our sins? When we offer thanksgiving sacrifices, are we truly grateful for God's provision? When we offer regular sacrifices during festivals, are we truly concerned with God's protection? Are we truly willing to offer these festival celebrations and sacrifices? We know that there are "love feasts" and meals set out in the church, but often the congregation eats these "love feasts" and "meals" without thanking those who set them out. They only complain about whether the "love feast" is delicious, abundant, or enough to fill their stomachs. The congregation doesn't care about the hard work of those who put in the effort! "Love feasts" are offered out of the love of brothers and sisters. They are not prescribed or mandatory; they are based on the love of brothers and sisters. Just like some brothers and sisters offer many small gifts, we should look at the love behind their offerings, not at how good or bad the gifts. If our love is measured by limited, outward material things, then that love has little value. Why does the church provide a "love feast"? The purpose of the church providing a "love feast" is not for the congregation to despise the love of their brothers and sisters, but to cultivate a "grateful heart" in them!
(Luke 21:2-3) And he saw a poor widow casting in two mites. And he said, “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.”~~ Jesus tells us: A poor widow's two mites are more than all the others' money! Was Jesus bad at math? Or was Jesus talking nonsense? Neither! Rather, Jesus saw the immeasurable love behind those two small coins. The widow only had two small coins, but she was willing to give them all. This is the widow's love. Similarly, many people are willing to spend their time and energy to provide a good “love feast” for their brothers and sisters. Perhaps they don't have the money to buy abundant food, but they are willing to put in their time and energy. This is the most important “love” worthy of our remembrance. We know that many preachers, when they first begin their ministry, may lack experience, so their sermons may not be as eloquent or lively as those of seasoned pastors. However, they are also striving to preach the truth of the Bible. When people are willing to give, we shouldn't focus on their merits or demerits, but rather remember the love behind their actions. They truly dedicate time and energy to preparing their sermons.
Whether it's a "love feast," a "sermon," or a "sacrifice," we should look at the "love" behind it all. And one of the most important things: God wants us to practice is having a "grateful heart." Therefore, I say: Gratitude is more important than sacrifice! For us, as long as the brothers and sisters who prepare the food don't give us bad, rotten, or even poisonous food, we must thank them for their loving offering. As for the speakers on the platform, as long as they are preaching Jesus and the love of Jesus... Instead of exalting ourselves, we should remember their sermons and the offerings of these speakers. Instead of comparing whose "love feast" is more abundant, whose is more delicious, or even whose sermon is more captivating, God wants us to have a "grateful heart"! Sacrifice is not about the offerings themselves, but about whether we truly thank God! Sacrifice is about whether we truly understand the biblical truths God wants us to follow. Therefore, we must always remember: "Thanksgiving is more important than sacrifice!" Never take for granted or ignore everything our brothers and sisters, or even God, have done for us. Even the most abundant offering is in vain without a grateful heart. When we have a grateful heart, we will see the greatness of our God! When we have a grateful heart, we will discover how loving our brothers and sisters are! Love can cover all sins! Love makes up for all deficiencies, so let us come to church with grateful hearts to worship our great Creator!
