When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. But the rest of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the Lord’s food offerings.
Levticus 2:1-3
At the start of Leviticus, the Lord starts describing to Moses the different types of offering. An offering is something you give to the Lord out of your heart’s desire to please Him.
The burnt offering was a way to give thanks to the Lord by offering a male animal from the herd (like a cow), the flock (sheep or goat), or a bird (dove or young pigeon). The aroma from the burnt offering is pleasing to the Lord (Leviticus 1:9, 1:13, 1:17).
The grain offering is similar to the burnt offering except it is done with grain. The burning of the grain offering also produces an aroma that is pleasing to the Lord (Leviticus 2:2, 2:9). Only a portion of the grain is used in the offering, while the rest of the grain belongs to the priest (Leviticus 2:10)
The fellowship (or peace offering) is similar to the burnt offering, except the remains can be eaten (except for the fat and blood, Leviticus 3:17). It is basically a meal before the Lord.
In today’s context, offering is done with money. Most people give their offering in church, but offering can also be given in other ways such as through Christian charities.
Offering is a major part of a Christian’s life. It is a sign of a thankful and grateful heart towards God. Do not ever feel obligated to give an offering. Give to God what you have decided to give in your heart to give with no regrets. God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
It is also a sign of trust in God. It shows that you trust that God will provide for you even if you thankfully give what He has given you back to Him. Jesus commends a widow He saw at the temple who gave all she had as an offering (Luke 21:1-4). It was by faith that the widow was able to do that and fully depend on God for all her needs.
I know giving offering can be difficult sometimes. God doesn’t need the money. Instead, it is an exercise of faith on your part and an opportunity to build your trust in the Lord more.
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 corinthians 9:6-8