Tithing
Scriptures mention several benefits of giving:
1. Giving glorifies God. It not only meets the needs of others, but also causes the recipients to give thanks (2 Cor. 9:12-13).
2. Giving strengthens our faith. Sacrificial giving creates a greater dependence on God and leads us to a more intimate relationship with Him. It is faith in action.
3. Giving develops character. Our character becomes God Centered (Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Tim. 6:18-19).
4. Giving allows us to receive God’s blessings. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. . . . you will be enriched in everything for all liberality” (2 Cor. 9:6,11; cf. Phil. 4:17-19). Those who share abundantly in the lives of others will harvest the blessings of the Lord. We cannot out give God because of His eternal promises. “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered” (Prov. 11:25; cf. Deut. 15:10; Prov. 3:9-10). “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be easured to you in return” (Luke 6:38; cf. Prov. 19:17; 22:9; 28:27; Mal. 3:10). “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Attitude is everything when it comes to giving not the amount. Here are some scriptural attitudes toward giving:
1. Cheerful, not grudging. “Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Our attitude should not be one of obligation, but heartfelt desire and readiness (Exod. 25:2; 2 Cor. 8:3-4,11-12).
2. As unto the Lord, not men. Jesus told us that we have no reward when we give alms to be noticed and honored by men (Matt. 6:1-4). We should not give because of what others will think, but because it honors the Lord.
3. Motivated by love. “And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (1 Cor. 13:3). Biblical giving is a manifestation of the sincerity of our love for God and others (2 Cor. 8:8).
4. Unconditional – Do not give to get, it is about relationship. Spiritual Blessing is often misunderstood, God may bless us in this manner rather than a material blessing. Material prosperity is not a sign of godliness, and poverty is not a sign of a lack of faith (Phil. 4:12).
1. Giving glorifies God. It not only meets the needs of others, but also causes the recipients to give thanks (2 Cor. 9:12-13).
2. Giving strengthens our faith. Sacrificial giving creates a greater dependence on God and leads us to a more intimate relationship with Him. It is faith in action.
3. Giving develops character. Our character becomes God Centered (Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Tim. 6:18-19).
4. Giving allows us to receive God’s blessings. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. . . . you will be enriched in everything for all liberality” (2 Cor. 9:6,11; cf. Phil. 4:17-19). Those who share abundantly in the lives of others will harvest the blessings of the Lord. We cannot out give God because of His eternal promises. “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered” (Prov. 11:25; cf. Deut. 15:10; Prov. 3:9-10). “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be easured to you in return” (Luke 6:38; cf. Prov. 19:17; 22:9; 28:27; Mal. 3:10). “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Attitude is everything when it comes to giving not the amount. Here are some scriptural attitudes toward giving:
1. Cheerful, not grudging. “Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Our attitude should not be one of obligation, but heartfelt desire and readiness (Exod. 25:2; 2 Cor. 8:3-4,11-12).
2. As unto the Lord, not men. Jesus told us that we have no reward when we give alms to be noticed and honored by men (Matt. 6:1-4). We should not give because of what others will think, but because it honors the Lord.
3. Motivated by love. “And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (1 Cor. 13:3). Biblical giving is a manifestation of the sincerity of our love for God and others (2 Cor. 8:8).
4. Unconditional – Do not give to get, it is about relationship. Spiritual Blessing is often misunderstood, God may bless us in this manner rather than a material blessing. Material prosperity is not a sign of godliness, and poverty is not a sign of a lack of faith (Phil. 4:12).
