Giving

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse comes from a passage that deals with a special offering for those who were suffering a famine in Jerusalem. However, its principles can be applied to our regular giving at church; our spontaneous giving outside of church; our commitments to causes; our giving to special offerings at church, in fact all giving.

Regular giving at church makes ministry possible. We cannot feed at a particular place and hold back our giving. We are a part of the body of Christ. Scripture tells us tor not muzzle the ox that is treading out the grain. The ox could not do the work without being fed. Neither can our church leaders. When giving regularly we look to scripture for guidance. Even before the Law patriarchs are noted as giving 10%. Abraham was the first.

We know Jesus have as He had a treasurer, Judas who held the purse and would go and buy food or give to the poor. He paid temple tax. Half a shekel of silver (around two days wages) was to be paid to the temple for people’s sins. Jesus did not sin but rather to not cause offence paid His tax (Matt 17).

Modern day Christians need to support their churches by paying their tithes. Some may argue that the tithe is not mentioned in the New Testament, however blessing is folded into the giving, and 10% is a good place to start. Many give way beyond this amount. 

Jesus said: ‘give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, running over shall be poured into your lap’. Who would not do that? Who would not want that? (Luke 6:38)

Do not neglect to give and miss all God’s blessing available for you.