TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Yesterday, we talked about how hard quarantine has been in regards to attending church. Our topic was on fellowship and the benefits of meeting in person to worship, study, and fellowship.
Today, we’re going to talk about tithing which is, in my opinion, the second big issue with not going to church.
When the church asks you to give, they aren’t being greedy (we can’t judge the church as a whole by a few profiteering televangelists!). The church may be non-profit, but they also have very real operating costs: utilities, supplies, salaries, and more. Even all this online streaming has a cost! The Bible has always made provisions for the priests to be cared for by the congregation and in 1 Timothy, it says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
All the things the church does for their congregation and community comes with a cost. But for many, staying home means they just don’t think about sending in their tithes. People are also scared of parting with their money right now because of unemployment and pay cuts. As a result, giving is down. But, our churches need our financial support in order to do what they do.
I encourage you to give online. My husband and I have a list of church ministries we support and every one of them accepts online giving. And if you’re not comfortable with that, the US Postal Service is still working…
The topic of how much to give is debated. Is 10% the standard? It is in our house, but 2 Corinthians 9:7, says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Many see this verse as a loophole to 10%. But any gift made, no matter how small, can make a big impact in God’s kingdom when it is given in faith. Let us remember the widow who gave her only two mites (Luke 21:1-4). The most valuable part of the giving lies in your attitude. Do you part with the gift with reluctance or resentment? Or do you give with joy and gladness, trusting in God’s provision?
No matter how much you give, we have to remember, this isn’t ours to begin with. It’s all God’s. He entrusts us to be good stewards with the resources He provides. With that attitude in mind, giving isn’t giving from our own resources, but giving back to God a small portion of all He’s given us… in both the good times, and the bad.
The church is still alive and active, even as we stay at home. Make sure you show your support.
Today, as you pray, thank God for His provision. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust, even when economic securities are shaky. Ask Him to guide your heart about giving to the ministries that need our support.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
