Financial Discipleship - the Bible on GivingSample

THE AMOUNT TO GIVE

Let’s survey what the Scriptures say about how much to give. Under the Old Testament, a tithe, or 10 percent of a person’s earnings, was required to be given. When the children of Israel disobeyed this commandment, it was regarded as robbing God Himself. Listen to the Lord’s solemn words in Malachi’s days: “You have robbed me of the tithes and offerings due to me. And so the awesome curse of God is cursing you, for your whole nation has been robbing me” (Malachi 3:8-9, TLB).

In addition to the tithe, the Hebrews were to give offerings. Furthermore, the Lord made special provisions for the needs of the poor. For example, every seven years, all debts were forgiven, and special rules governed harvesting so that the poor could gather food.

In the New Testament, the tithe is neither specifically rejected nor specifically recommended. It does teach us to give in proportion to the material blessing we have received, and it especially commends sacrificial giving.

What I like about the tithe or any fixed percentage of giving is that it is systematic, and the amount of the gift is easy to compute. The danger of the tithe is that it can be treated simply as another bill to be paid. By not giving out of a heart of love, I place myself in a position where I can’t receive the blessings the Lord has designed for a giver. Another potential danger of tithing is the view that once I have tithed, I’ve fulfilled all my obligations to give. For many, the tithe should be the beginning of their giving, not the limit.

The Bible is unclear on exactly how much we should give. I believe this lack of clarity is because the decision concerning the amount an individual gives should be based on a personal relationship with God. As we seek the guidance of the Spirit through an active prayer life, sharing suddenly becomes an exciting adventure.

How much should you give? To answer this question, first submit yourself to the Lord. Earnestly seek His will for you concerning giving. Ask Him to help you obey His leading. I am convinced that we should tithe as a minimum and then give over and above the tithe as the Lord prospers or directs us.

(excerpt taken from Your Money Counts, Howard Dayton, 2020)