So what if you don't take issue with the concept of giving or even the concept of giving 10%? What if you, like many of the commentors, take issue with those you hand your money over to: the Church. Those who express this concern reveal two potential problems that need to be addressed.
God gives generously to you, and he calls you to give to others in need as his love flows through your life. Here are 28 Bible verses about giving to others, plus 10 creative ways to give.
Jesus viewed wealth and poverty in a non-discriminatory manner. He warns those who are wealthy that they have an important responsibility to give to the poor and that if they are not careful, their riches can lead them into evil.
Having nothing to give shows itself in many ways in our lives. It begins with questioning ourselves and our worth. As a result, we start to see ourselves and the world around us negatively. As we face our own lack, hopelessness creeps its way in and we allow distance to grow between ourselves and God, and even the people closest to us. More than ever, these are the times we need a spark of hope. This is when we need a reminder that God loves us no matter what, and that He will provide something in our hearts to give.
The Bible tells us, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." Learn more about the meaning of stewardship and it's importance today.
One of the first lessons I learned as a new believer was about the privilege and responsibility Christians have to support local churches. Because God has chosen to use the church, the body of Christ, for evangelism, teaching, training, ministry, and benevolence, it’s crucial that we invest first and foremost in the church.
But what about giving above and beyond our commitment to the local church? Perhaps God has blessed you with a surplus or a desire to sacrifice your time, talent, or treasure. How can you invest in God’s kingdom? Where should you give?
Here are 10 suggestions:
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Andrew Santellan
With God’s example of unconditional love through Christ, surely we should be willing to give sacrificially too, right? But does this mean we should give others whatever they ask of us?
The Reverend Billy Graham said, “If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.” He stated a simple yet powerful truth: the way we handle money says something about how we handle ourselves.As believers, we know that God provides for us, and works to meet all our real needs. But we can sometimes confuse needs with wants, which leads to wishing either for more money or more stuff.Thankfully, God provides a way for us to navigate through the tests and temptations the world presents. Scripture has cautions, lessons and examples of dealing responsibly with money. And if we submit to God’s teaching, we’ll rise to new levels of financial, emotional, and spiritual health.Photo credit: Unsplash/JP Valery
Choosing the right organizations to support is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, do your research, reach out with questions, and pray about it. With God leading you and having an open heart and fist, you can't go wrong.
The truth is, we’re all beggars in desperate need of Jesus. God didn’t ignore us or withhold what we need most. He showed compassion and gave His beloved Son. So, how would Jesus respond to beggars? With compassion, mercy, and great love.
It is biblical to tithe, but Jesus teaches that your giving should flow out of knowing that God is your source and you are gladly choosing to honor him with your giving. When that is your attitude, that’s when the blessing of sowing and reaping happens.
Our perspective changes when we realize that “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) Whatever we give was never ours to begin with, and giving it cheerfully brings joy.
The most important thing you can do is to be an example to your children. How can we expect them to give freely if they don't see you giving?Just as we are to be Christ's example in every area of our lives, we can also be a good example through our giving. Although it takes faith to tithe, especially when money is tight, it demonstrates that God is a good God that provides for his children.