Ecclesiastes
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class, Tommy Stringer taught on the biblical principle of Christian giving and its inseparable connection to love. He established that while one can give without love, it is impossible to truly love without giving, as demonstrated throughout Scripture. God himself is characterized as a giver—providing grace, mercy, and compassion—and Christians are called to emulate this divine attribute. Stringer emphasized that the manner and motivation behind giving are as important as the act itself. God loves a cheerful giver, and giving prompted by love produces a fundamentally different result than giving motivated by obligation, desire for praise, or expectation of return. The teacher illustrated this principle through several biblical examples, including the early Jerusalem church's generous community sharing, the contrasting cases of Ananias and Sapphira (who gave grudgingly and deceitfully), and the Pharisees who performed good works to be seen by others. The parable of the Good Samaritan demonstrated sacrificial giving to a stranger without expectation of return, embodying the principle that true love expresses itself through selfless generosity. Stringer concluded that when believers genuinely love God and their neighbors, selfless giving becomes a natural overflow rather than a burdensome duty.
Key Scriptures
Ananias and Sapphira sold their property and kept back part of the money for themselves, lying to the apostles about the transaction. Peter confronted them, stating that they had lied to God and that their heart was not right before Him.
Jesus teaches that giving should be done in secret, not to be seen by others, and that God will reward those who give generously and sincerely.
Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating that loving one's neighbor involves selfless acts of kindness and compassion, even toward enemies or strangers.