There was once a man named Simon who wanted to give money to the Lord’s ministry in order that he would receive the Holy Spirit. Because of this one of the apostles rebuked him harshly telling him he would perish! Why? Because the only reason this man gave to the Lord was to receive something for himself. There was no love for the Lord in his sacrifice:
Act 8:18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
Act 8:20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
Did you know that we sin when we give or sacrifice to God only because we expect something in return? When a prosperity preacher says “send in $100 and the Lord will give you a thousand!” he is causing each person that sends in $100 not to receive blessing from the Lord, but he’s causing them to sin! What’s the reason for that?
Act 8:21 "You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”
If your heart is not right before God when you give, then it’s better not to give at all. Are we really required to make our hearts right before we give to the Lord? Is it wrong to be in a bad mood and write our offering check to the church? Is it wrong to grumble under our breath when doing something nice for our spouse that we don’t want to do? Is it wrong to stand and sing praise songs at our church while judging the fellow over there who is sitting down? Absolutely. If there is anything hindering your sacrifice to God that would cause your heart not to be right before God, then you’d better make it right first. That’s what Jesus said:
Mat 5:23 Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
Mat 5:24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
Always give only out of pure love for God. Don’t ever think that you deserve something back from the Lord after sacrificing for Him or giving to Him. Are you not merely giving back what is His anyhow? Instead, have the humble spirit that says, “We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.” (Luk 17:10).