Giving
“He who
sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will
also reap bountifully. {7} So let each one give as he purposes in his
heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver”,
2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
“It is
more blessed to give than to receive”, said Jesus as quoted by the
apostle Paul in Acts 20:35. Yet, how many people today
actually believe these and practice words? They run counter to the selfish,
materialistic attitude of our day.
There are many
ways that one can be blessed in daily life through giving. For the Christian, a very significant
opportunity is provided each Sunday when the church assembles for
worship. We look to the words of the
apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 for instruction on financial giving in
the church.
First, how much
should we give? Give “as he purposes in his heart” according
to 2 Corinthians 9:7. Under the
Old Testament system of worship, the tithe or 10% an individual’s
wealth was the law. Under the
covenant of Christ in the New Testament, no specific amount is
given. However, many feel that the
tithing principle is a good place to start.
With what attitude
should we give? Again, we look to the scriptures ibn 2 Corinthians 9:7
for the answer, “cheerfully”. Our gift needs
to be given out of love, not out of begrudging obligation.
When should we
give? The “first day of the week” says 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Since every week has a first day, Sunday,
we give each Sunday when the church assembles as part of our worship.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given
orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: {2} On the first
day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he
may prosper, that there be no collections when I come”, 1
Corinthians 16:1-2 .
But what about
the other six days of the week? We
should all look for ways to be generous with our time, talents, and
funds. Jesus will be pleased and
praised by our efforts.
“Moreover,
brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches
of Macedonia: {2} that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their
joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
{3} For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond
their ability, they were freely willing, {4} imploring us with much
urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the
ministering to the saints. {5} And not only as we had hoped, but they
first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God, 2
Corinthians 8:1-5.
Church Office:
803-548-7762 Update Line: 803-548-5521
|
