Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
Every person of God’s people was asked by the Lord to bring an offering for the building of the Tabernacle, a sanctuary where He may dwell among them. This they did, giving generously and willingly. They gave an abundance of gold and cloth and supplies for the tabernacle and its furnishings. Israel had plundered the Egyptians, who gladly gave them much goods, when they left Egypt. They redeemed worldly wealth by offering it in service to the Lord.
All this generous giving was their response to the Lord for His amazing gift of grace and salvation. And it is recorded that they offered it willingly. It was not a tax or a tribute, which is forced or coerced, but it was freely given out of good and grateful hearts. Worshipful and thankful hearts gladly give in response to God’s giving. Offerings given out of faith and joy far exceed forced taxation parted with grudgingly. And “God loves a cheerful giver.” Willing offering makes everyone happy.
The amount of our offerings to the Lord’s service corresponds to the depth of our faith in Jesus and the quality of our love of God. Giving and offering is a response to God’s giving and offering Himself to us. Our church offering does not gain favor or blessing from God, for we cannot improve upon His already abundant grace. Our offering is an expression of our reception of His grace and favor. God gets the glory for our giving and for our good works of service, not us. We just respond.