“Let us now give back a portion of what God has so graciously given to us.” These words uttered from the pulpit can send hearts racing and nerves through the roof. The offering plate passes by, but you’re struggling to make ends meet. Your gut says to give, but your checking account begs to differ.
As a college student, I’ve struggled with this numerous times. With what little income I have, it’s difficult to freely give it away. Besides, it’s not like someone is keeping tabs on the amount I give. Now that I think about it, this is beginning to sound like an issue of integrity.
In the Old Testament, tithing was a requirement of the law and consisted of multiple tithes totally over 20 percent. But the New Testament does not designate a certain percentage of income a person should give. Instead, it suggests giving in relation to one’s income. “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:2). I shy away from a legalistic system of giving and see tithing as an opportunity to give a portion of one’s income, whatever it may be.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Next time the offering plate passes you, don’t let guilt open your wallet – let God.
As a college student, I’ve struggled with this numerous times. With what little income I have, it’s difficult to freely give it away. Besides, it’s not like someone is keeping tabs on the amount I give. Now that I think about it, this is beginning to sound like an issue of integrity.
In the Old Testament, tithing was a requirement of the law and consisted of multiple tithes totally over 20 percent. But the New Testament does not designate a certain percentage of income a person should give. Instead, it suggests giving in relation to one’s income. “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:2). I shy away from a legalistic system of giving and see tithing as an opportunity to give a portion of one’s income, whatever it may be.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Next time the offering plate passes you, don’t let guilt open your wallet – let God.
Is it an issue of integrity? Or is it one of pleasing God with our actions, following His admonishment to give back to Him a tithe?
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