In the journey of faith, offerings are more than just rituals or traditions. They are profound expressions of our relationship with God. While many are familiar with offerings of atonement (seeking forgiveness) and dedicatory offerings (consecrating ourselves to God), there’s a third kind that often goes unnoticed but holds immense power: the communal offering.
This offering isn’t about seeking forgiveness or making a vow. It’s about something deeper, something sweeter—friendship with God. Yes, friendship. Imagine having a relationship with the Creator of the universe where you’re not just a servant or a follower, but a friend. This is the heart of the communal offering.
What Is a Communal Offering?
A communal offering is an act of worship that fosters fellowship and intimacy with God. It’s about drawing near to Him, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to know Him more. It’s an offering of the heart, a deliberate effort to build a relationship with the One who loves us unconditionally.
The beauty of this offering is that it’s entirely voluntary. You don’t offer it because you have to; you offer it because you want to. It’s a freewill offering, given in a manner that’s pleasing to God. And when we approach Him with this kind of sincerity, something extraordinary happens.
Why Friendship with God Matters
Proverbs 25:2 tells us, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search it out.” God loves to reveal His mysteries, but not to everyone. He shares His secrets with His friends. Think about it: when you have a close friend, you share things with them that you wouldn’t share with just anyone. It’s the same with God.
When we strive to be His friends, we position ourselves to receive deeper revelations, greater understanding, and more profound insights into His will. This isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about experiencing the fullness of our salvation. It’s about walking in the light of His presence and being empowered to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
How to Offer a Communal Offering
So, how do we offer this kind of offering? It starts with a hunger and thirst for righteousness, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
To truly offer a communal offering, we must adopt the posture of a priest—one who stands in the gap between heaven and earth, interceding, worshiping, and living a life that honors God. Here are seven acts of a priest that can guide us in offering a communal offering:
1. Prayer: The Language of Friendship
Prayer is the foundation of any relationship with God. It’s not just about asking for things; it’s about communication. When you pray, you’re talking to God as a friend. Share your heart with Him—your joys, your struggles, your dreams. Let your prayers be a two-way conversation where you also take time to listen.
Prayer is where intimacy begins. It’s where you invite God into every area of your life. As you pray, you’ll find that He speaks to you, guiding you, comforting you, and revealing His heart to you.
2. Fasting: A Sacrifice of Surrender
Fasting is a powerful way to draw near to God. It’s not about depriving yourself for the sake of it; it’s about sacrificing something physical to focus on the spiritual. When you fast, you’re saying, “God, I hunger for You more than I hunger for food or anything else.”
Fasting helps you break away from distractions and align your heart with God’s. It’s a way of saying, “I want to know You more, and I’m willing to give up something valuable to do so.”
3. Giving: An Act of Love and Trust
Giving is an expression of love and trust. When you give, whether it’s your time, resources, or talents, you’re showing God that you trust Him to provide for your needs. It’s also a way of participating in His work on earth.
Giving isn’t just about money; it’s about generosity in every area of your life. When you give freely, you reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for us.
4. Obedience: The Mark of True Friendship
Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14). Obedience is a key aspect of friendship with God. It’s about aligning your life with His will and following His instructions, even when it’s difficult.
Obedience shows that you trust God’s wisdom and love. It’s a way of saying, “I believe that Your ways are better than mine.” When you obey, you deepen your relationship with Him and open the door to His blessings.
5. Walking in Righteousness: Living a Life That Pleases God
Righteousness is about living a life that honors God. It’s about making choices that reflect His character and values. When you walk in righteousness, you’re showing God that you value His friendship and want to live in a way that pleases Him.
Walking in righteousness also protects your relationship with God. It keeps you from sin, which can create distance between you and Him. As you strive to live a holy life, you’ll find that your friendship with God grows stronger.
6. Praise: Celebrating Who God Is
Praise is a powerful way to draw near to God. When you praise Him, you’re focusing on His greatness, His goodness, and His love. Praise shifts your perspective from your problems to His power.
Praise is also an act of faith. It’s a way of declaring that God is in control, no matter what your circumstances look like. When you praise Him, you invite His presence into your life and create an atmosphere where His glory can dwell.
7. Reverence: Honoring God’s Holiness
Reverence is about recognizing God’s holiness and approaching Him with awe and respect. It’s about understanding that He is the Creator of the universe, and we are His creation.
Reverence keeps us humble and reminds us of our dependence on God. It’s a way of saying, “You are God, and I am not.” When we approach God with reverence, we position ourselves to receive His grace and mercy.
The Results of a Communal Offering
When we offer ourselves in this way, the results are transformative. We experience more light in our lives—clarity, direction, and understanding. We also receive more power—the strength to overcome challenges, the courage to step into our calling, and the ability to establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
Imagine living a life where you’re not just going through the motions, but where you’re truly connected to God. A life where you’re not just serving Him, but walking with Him as a friend. This is the power of the communal offering.
What Now!!
Today, I want to challenge you to take a step toward deeper friendship with God. Offer Him your heart. Seek Him not just for what He can do for you, but for who He is. Hunger and thirst for righteousness, and watch as He fills your life with His presence, His power, and His peace.
Remember, God desires friendship with you. He’s waiting with open arms. Will you take the step toward Him?
