Who Gives to God First?

The Apostle Paul asks a profound question in our passage today: “Or who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?” This is not a question seeking an answer, but a powerful statement about God’s absolute sovereignty. It reminds us that no one can ever truly give something to God that He didn't first provide. God is the ultimate source of everything. He needs nothing from us, for He owns all things. We cannot put Him in our debt, nor can we obligate Him to act in a certain way because of something we have done or given.

This truth directly challenges some ideas we hear today. Sometimes we are taught that if we fast in a particular way, or buy a 'holy' item, or sow a 'seed' of money, we can force God's hand to change our situation or grant a miracle. But if, as the Scripture says, “of him, and through him, and to him, are all things,” then how can we give God something that isn't already His? Every shilling we have, every talent we possess, every breath we take, comes from Him. Our giving should be an act of worship and gratitude, not a calculated transaction to earn a favour or a bigger blessing.

Think about it in your daily life here in Uganda. When you bring your tithe to church, when you help a neighbour, or when you dedicate your time to serve in ministry, do you do it with an expectation of getting something specific in return from God? While God blesses generosity and faithfulness, our primary motivation should be love for Him and obedience to His word. We give because He first gave to us, supremely in His Son, Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was complete and sufficient; we don't need to add our own efforts or payments to secure God's favour.

Our God is not a businessman waiting for us to make the first move so He can repay us. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all, pouring out His grace freely. Our response should be to live lives that acknowledge His glory and abundant provision. All things originate from Him, are sustained by Him, and ultimately exist for His purposes. “To him be the glory for ever! Amen.”