Give Generously

Jesus said this: “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 (NLT)

Jesus also said Luke 14:33, “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” (NLT) He didn’t mean that we are to give away everything we have and go live on the street. What he means is that if we want to follow him that we must give him everything we own. He becomes the owner and we become the managers of what is his. By doing this, Jesus becomes our treasure and our heart’s desire is found in him.

God also wants us to give so that we might imitate him. Ephesians 5:1 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” (NLT)

God is a generous giver. Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (NLT) And John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV) So every time we give generously, we are imitating our heavenly Father.

How we manage the resources that God has entrusted into our care is a test of our maturity and ability to handle greater things. Jesus said in Luke 16:10-12, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? (NLT)

How should we give?
We should give cheerfully and willingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (NLT)

How much should we give?
Leviticus 27:30 says that “One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.” (NLT) The tenth, also referred to as the tithe, is the Lord’s.

And Malachi 3:10-11 says the following about giving the tenth:

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. (ESV)

When we give God his ten percent, he blesses our ninety percent.

Jesus approved of giving of the tenth in Luke 11:42 when he said, “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” (NLT)

Where do we give?
We should bring our tithes to the church we attend. Before Jesus started the Church, we were told in Malachi 3:10 to “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” This was the Jewish temple. But now we bring it to the local church. Speaking to the church of Corinth, Paul the apostle said in1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned.” (NLT)

What are the different ways that we can give?
We can give four ways: First, we can give at church during the collection. Second, we can give online using this website. You can click here to go to our online giving page. Third, we can give through automatic pay. And fourth, we can mail in a check to the church.

Will God bless me if I give?
Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

And 2 Corinthians 9:6, and 8 says, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop . . . And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (NLT)

Is my giving tax deductible?
All giving is tax deductible. You will receive a donation receipt during the first part of January for tax purposes.

Faith and Giving
It takes faith to give. You must believe that God receives your tithe as a form of worship. And you must trust that God will bless you for your faithful giving.

When do I start giving?
You can start today if you like or you can give this Sunday. But you must decide about giving. It is generous people that give to Spirit Life that make it possible for our church to operate and be a blessing to you and others. Now you have an opportunity to do the same.