What do you think of when you hear the word GIVING?  Do you think of tithing? Money? Time? Food? Things? Love?  These are all great ways to GIVE that honors our Lord and exudes the type of love we are to show to those around us.  So if these are all great ways, then what is the difference between tithing and GIVING?

 

TITHING

 

Let's first explore the topic of tithing and what it was for...

 

• Tithing was a form of thanksgiving, honor and respect- Genesis 14:17-24

• Tithing was a form of a vow- Genesis 28:20-22

• Tithing was a way to give back for sparing one's life- Genesis 47:24-26

• Tithing was to set aside something as holy to the Lord- Leviticus 27

• Tithing was to support the preists and Levites for the duties they performed for the Lord- Numbers 18

• By not tithing you brought a curse- Malachi 3:6-12

 

So should we tithe today and how does this differ from GIVING in the New Testament?

 

Here are some articles that explain this:

• The Origin of Tithing

• Tithing: Is It Scriptural for New Covenant Believers?  Under the Law or Led by the Spirit

 

 

GIVING IS LOVE

 

Ok, so now that we have gained a clearer understanding of what a tithe is, what does the bible say about GIVING and how we should do it?

 

John 3:16- “For God so loved the world, that he GAVE his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life..." 

 

Romans 5:6- For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

 

Ephesians 2:8- For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

 

Wow, that is pretty awesome! God loved us so much, He GAVE his only son!  It seems to me, by reading that verse, GIVING and love go hand in hand... What does that tell you about how you should give?  If we are to follow God's example, then what kind of GIVING should we do? God set the bar pretty high when He gave His ONLY Son.  Would you do that?  Even better, would you do that for those who are your enemies? Since God asks us to love in everything we do, maybe He was showing us how to love by showing us how to GIVE all of what we have, wholly and completely to everyone without expecting anything in return!

 

 

GIVING EVEN WHEN WE FEEL THERE IS NOT ENOUGH

 

Sometimes we are afraid to give because we don't think we will have enough left over for ourselves or family.  What does the bible say about that?  Should we give when we have very little or should we give only when we have extra?

 

Luke 12:22- And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

Mark 12:41- And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you,this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 

God encourages GIVING all that we have, no matter if that's all we have... This is not because God does not want us to have anything, but it brings Him pleasure to see us GIVE out of faith. He wants us to trust Him in everything and He promises that by us doing so, all of our needs will be taken care of.

 

 

THE GIVING ATTITUDE

 

When someone GIVES us something, it shows us that they care about us.  Now what if even though they GAVE, they had a bad attitude while doing so?  What if they let you know how much they GAVE and held it over your head?  What if they threw it at you and grumbled the whole time?  Do you think you would still feel they cared?  Would this type of behavior communicate love?  What type of GIVING does God want us to do?  

 

2 Corinthians 9:6- The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must GIVE as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful GIVER. 

 

Proverbs 11:24- One GIVES freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should GIVE, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

 

When we GIVE abundantly and cheerfully, God will reward us in a like manner.  Does this mean we will always be rich? No. Remember, life is about serving others and not ourselves, we will have our reward in due time, but until then, we are here to work for God and do as much for His kingdom that we can.  

 

 

WHY GOD BLESSES US

 

2 Corinthians 8:1- We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

 

Phillipians 4:14- Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in GIVING and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the GIFT, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the GIFTS you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

Acts 4:32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

 

Luke 3:11- And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

 

The reason God may GIVE us wealth, riches, abundance or extra is so that we are not lacking and can supply those in need and in turn so that others can help us in our time of need.  It is supposed to be a community effort of GIVING, one that revolves and never stops, one without expectation or requirement. Unfortunately, we do not see that as much today because we live in a world of self seeking and greed.  I think that is a huge reason people do not understand true love and grace, even salvation, because we don't have a good understanding of what real giving means.  We need to go back to how the bible defines giving and make every effort today to break away from that status quo and reach high for that bar set by God.

 

 

GIVING AS A TESTIMONY

 

So what happens to the people who recive or witness our generous giving?

 

2 Corinthians 9:8 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. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible GIFT!

 

When we GIVE to others, it creates a heart in people of thanksgiving to God!  So not only do we glorify God by GIVING, but that act also produces double glory through others that receive it!

 

 

GIVING TO THOSE THAT WORK FOR GOD

 

Many people hold resentment for their churches asking them to give or tithe.  What does the bible say we should do and is there a set amount?

 

Matthew 10:40- “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And whoever GIVES one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

 

1 Timothy 5:17- Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

 

People who work for God, particularly those who teach or preach, deserve wages. Sometimes these people do so for free and do not receive any compensation other than our dontaions and support.  Sometimes we don't see or understand the amount of effort and time that is given to us by those that hold the position of prophet, teacher or preacher, but I can guarantee that there is a lot more than meets the eye.  God encourages us to help them as they labor for His kingdom and assures us this act will not go unnoticed.

 

 

IF IT IS IN YOUR POWER, FULFILL AN UNMET NEED

 

Proverbs 3:27- Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

 

James 2:15- If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

 

Saying nice things or "meaning well" is not the same thing as GIVING if you have the means to meet the need.  This is an example of faith without works.  Our giving is an act of faith, but we must actually do the deed instead of just thinking nice thoughts about it.

 

 

GIVING TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

 

Proverbs 19:17- Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

 

Proverbs 28:27- Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

 

When we GIVE to the poor, we are helping God to provide for those in need.  God promises to repay us for being dilligent and for some that promise may be fulfilled now and for some later when they are resurrected.  Either way, God rewards us for being faithful and obedient.  

 

One thing I want to point out is that not once will you see God saying, "GIVE if they deserve it..." This is an unfortunate misconception in society today that we only give if it is well deserved, but just remember back to the verse about God GIVING his only Son even when we didn't deserve it and how we must try to emulate that kind of love.  We must try to pull away from the tainted beliefs of this world and listen to what God has to say about every matter and most often you will find that the world does not have the same definitions as God does.  All that matters is pleasing God and how He sees things, so when you see that needy person and start wondering if they deserve it or if they will use it the way you intended, STOP!  IT DOESN'T MATTER!  All that matters is that you are obedient and faithful, our reward is not solely seeing them change their lives with our GIVING, but from God and his pleasure in us.

 

GIVING EVEN WHEN NO ONE GIVES BACK RECOGNITION

 

It's in human nature to want to be recognized and praised when we do something good, but what does the Bible say about our GIVING and the praise we receive?

 

Matthew 6:1- “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

 

When we do our acts of GIVING with the intentions to be praised by others, we are not really GIVING because we are doing something with the intentions of receiving something in return for our good deed.  The true definiton of GIVING is doing so without any expectation or compensation.  Is this how you GIVE?  Do you get disappointed when the favor isn't returned? Once again, the favor we should be looking for comes from the Lord, not people.  When we seek favor from man, we have then chosen our reward over the one that God has promised to give us.  Man's favor cannot come close to the favor of God and in no way fulfills us like He does.  So let's set our mind on heavenly things and look to God for our approval in everything we do!  

 

GIVING EVEN TO OUR ENEMIES

 

So now we know that God wants us to give, wholeheartedly and selflessly, what about those that hurt us and curse us?

 

Luke 6:27- “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

 

Proverbs 25:21- If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

 

At the very top of this article we discussed how God gave His only Son, even to those who were His enemies.  Since we are to emulate His love for us, we should also do the same for those who are our enemies.  When we GIVE to those who are awful to us we are a testimony of God's unconditional love and grace and we never know how this may impact them and their salvation.  Wouldn't it be so much better if those that hurt us came to know God and experience His amazing grace and love?  Wouldn't be amazing if by our simple act of kindness, those people who knew only hatred and evil, came to know Christ and were transformed by His power? God can use us in such astonishing ways if we can let go of our offenses and give all of ourselves to those who need it the most.  By doing so, we can FIGHT against the enemy and his schemes to kill, steal and destroy.