Why do we give?

God is the Creator of all that is in the earth, including your finances. (The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.” Psalm 24:1) We are to be good stewards of what He has given to us. The money we have is a blessing from God and it all belongs to Him. How we utilize our money is a reflection of our heart toward God.

Each of us should examine ourselves and our attitude toward money – why we have it, how we spend it, whose it is, how to use it to the glory of God. To do this, we must seek after God and ask Him to direct us in how much of our income we are to give to our church, other people, other ministries and the work He is doing.

Do we have to tithe?

What is a tithe? The definition of tithe is to offer one-tenth of any property or produce. Tithing is an early standard found in the Bible. Abraham tithed. The Law of Moses defines how the Jews were to tithe. In the New Testament, Jesus replaced the Law, so we now live under grace. But this is not a license to do nothing.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our attitude in our giving is a barometer of God’s lordship in our lives. He wants us to be joyous and merciful in our giving, not tithe under begrudging submission to His law.

Many people give above 10 percent of their income and have much more to give, but their hearts are not right (1 Corinthians 13:3). Others may not be able to give as much, but their hearts are dedicated to the Lord (Mark 12:42-44). God is looking for willing and obedient hearts, regardless of how much we give.

What if im in debt?

Our financial resources belong to God, not anyone else, including creditors. However, in Proverbs 22:1, God instructs us to maintain a good witness. Therefore, we must maintain the vow we made to our creditors. If debts are made, then debts must be paid. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous is gracious and gives.”

In the case of tithing while in debt, tithes may be paid with money not already pledged to creditors but available to disperse at our will. However, we would say that this is only true if the vow to the creditor was made before making a pledge to give to the church. Our commitment to give to God always takes precedence over any payments or commitments to creditors for debts that were contracted after a pledge to give or tithe.

Again, God is looking for the right attitude in our giving. We are to be willing to give back to the Lord a portion of what He has entrusted to us. We are to be looking for ways to give rather than ways not to give. Those in debt may still be able to give, just in a smaller amount, and remain faithful to that commitment. Their giving can increase as God leads and provides.

Giving out of abundance

Giving beyond our tithe or pledged giving should be an outward expression of our spiritual commitment to the Lord. Our hearts are to be willing and obedient. When giving over our pledged giving, we are giving out of our abundance.

We may make a commitment to give, promising a certain amount of money with the acknowledgment that it is based on faith. We may also give non-cash donations, which include time, services, food, furniture and clothing. Gifts with appreciated values may also be given, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. However, it is not scriptural to borrow money in order to give. Borrowing money requires little trust. Sacrificial giving should be a result of the proper heart attitude and not used as a means to impress others with our giving.

God is more concerned with our attitude in giving rather than the amount.

Information compiled from The Village Church, Highland Village, TX, and Crown Ministries.