My Thoughts on What the Bible Says about Giving

Last Sunday I posted What's Your Opinion on What the Bible Says about Giving? and got some great responses. I'll be posting some of the comments and giving my thoughts on them in weeks to come, but I thought this week I'd answer the questions I posed on that entry for myself. The questions were:

• Do you personally think that tithing is a principle for Christians?

• If you do believe in tithing, do you think the Bible suggests gifts over and above the tithe?

• If you do not believe in tithing, what is your general view on how/how much Christians should give? In particular, is there a minimum amount they should be giving?

• What percentage of your gross income do you give away each year as a result of your beliefs listed above?

My answers:

• Yes, I believe in tithing.

• Yes, I believe that the Bible recommends we give gifts above the tithe as well. These gifts are called offerings.

• The third question is not applicable to me.

• We tithe 10% of our gross income and give away more than that on offerings throughout the year.

And just because I can't have a Sunday post without a few verses, here are a couple applicable ones for today:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (NIV)

Comments

[dawgbite]

That's great financial advice: give to a superstition. Well done.

[Ciji]

yes, dawg, because charitable giving is always a bad idea.

[John]

To begin, tithing is no more Christian than Hindi or Hebrew...or any other moral precept. The roots of tithing lie in the concept of proper stewardship and community leadership...it is not 'giving to superstition' as we both know.

The concept of tithing (and listing a percent basis) is only a meager beginning or 'base'. When you think of it, the entrepreneur who develops a business, a system of investing or a system of education 'tithes' or 'gifts' when pricing the service below the proven value of the teaching/service. The individual is, in effect, giving away free energy to the benefit of others...as money is really only a focal point for energy in a system. His benefit in doing so? Being the good shepherd (steward)...leading from the front, not driving from behind...securing the weak and wayward because they are the weakest link in the chain...educating all who will listen, to strengthen the weakest links in the chain. And the best reward? He will be as the sparrows in the field...who toil not, yet are fed.

Finally, an Irish saying for those who toil and sweat for money without understanding its basic nature and place: "If you'd like to know G-d's view of money, just look at who he gives it to." :~)

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