Giving

Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

People too easily come to the assumption that a billionaire who gives millions of pounds to his church is more generous than a poor, single parent who gives one pound. But is this an accurate assumption? Jesus said that the answer to this cannot be known without knowing the heart of the giver.

Throughout the Bible, God doesn't focus on how much money you have but rather on how generous you are with the quantity of money that you have. One thing is quite clear to see, and that is that wherever your money goes, shows what you care about most.

The realisation that everything you have is a gift from an awesome and generous God should motivate you to share your possessions more freely.

Malachi 3:10 - " 'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessings that you will not have room enough for it.' "

Old Testament law made it very clear that God wanted his people to tithe, to demonstrate obedience and trust that he would provide for them. When Jesus came, he made it clear that he likes a happy giver, meaning that he loves a generous heart. The principle of tithing is a sound place to start as you set an example for those you lead. It demonstrates generosity to those in need, commitment to being a part of God's bigger work in the world, and sacrifice in order to give more than others. God promises to bless this faithful giving.

Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Generosity is both a spiritual gift and a spiritual discipline. Generosity is an important character trait to God because it is the opposite of selfishness, which along with pride, is one of the most destructive sins. Selfishness encourages greed, envy and hard-heartedness - all traits that destroy relationships. Generosity however, promotes giving, trusting, being merciful and putting the needs of others above your own - all traits that build relationships.

 

Tithe - and have a good relationship with God and others!!!