Why did God have respect unto Abel and his offering? Two reasons: One, he was a believer who believed that approaching God is possible only by the shedding of innocent blood – an expectation of the things to come in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, God accepted Abel first and then his offering – Abel brought the best of his flock – “firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof”. He knew that God deserved the best, not a good enough one. Two, God also looks at the motives – why an offering is being brought: is it for thanking God or is it a mundane routine, done with a grudge or done for selfish gains? God accepts the person first before accepting one’s offering. This is why, Jesus advises the person who brings an offering to God to reconcile with his brother first before presenting his offering. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD. – Prov 15:8.

Churches and ministers must reject offerings and donations (building funds!) from unbelievers; the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD. A pastor in my place openly announces that unbelievers should abstain from offering their money to the church. What an example to emulate! Paul advised the Corinthian believers to make a collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem in his absence. He did not want this to be done in his presence; he did not want believers to make a show of their offering to gain personal favour or recognition. (உபயம்: so and so!)

An offering is also called a sacrifice – the giver suffers a loss. What we give from our abundance is not a sacrifice as it does not cost us much or, sometimes, nothing at all. Many believers are satisfied if they drop their tithes in the offering box but care little about how the rest is being spent – a lot in sinful ways too. All the earnings of a new testament believer belong to God; one is accountable for every rupee / dollar.