A video of Salvation Ministries founder Pastor David Ibiyeomie, where he shared his mind on giving to God during economic hardship, is now trending. He said in the video that at a time when things were hard, he increased his offering, and that made his income increase. “The best time to give is now during hardship,” he urged his congregation to keep giving, even when times are hard.
This message quickly stirred reactions online as popular media personality, Daddy Freeze, replied with laughing emojis among others. People reacted, “The best time to show one’s kindness is at hard times, but one act of kindness is not giving it to the pastor, it’s helping those who actually need it.” Another commenter joked, “In the midst of hardship, I increased my savings o,” which insinuates probably the most reasonable way to handle money in bad times is saving.
Other social media users felt irritated by the fact that all churches seemed to talk about was tithes and offerings, especially when money was tight. Some asked why sermons on giving seemed to fill the pulpit when other vital sermons like salvation seemed to rarely find their way to them. With this debate still going on, many have begun to question whether it will be wise to give so much when they can barely make ends meet.
In my opinion, God does not need our money. Let us be wise with our finances: save, invest, and grow our income so we may give comfortably. Giving is relevant, but it should not leave us with nothing to live on. Give as you have purposed in your heart, not under duress, and see to it first that you are taking care of your own needs.
