The Grace of Giving
The Grace Of Giving
In 2 Corinthians 8:7 Paul said, “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
For those who call Emmanuel Worship Center home, giving cheerfully and sacrificially of our finances is part of our worship. A believer does not work to accumulate personal wealth or possessions, but to be a good steward of God's resources and model Jesus to our brothers, sisters, and community.
Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the primary ways we serve God is by cheerfully giving God our “firstfruits” (2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 3:9). God expects us to give, not to meet some petty, required percentage, but by digging deep and sacrificing for the sake of the gospel because Jesus sacrificed for us and all that we have is His anyway.
People ask me questions all the time around the subject of giving and specifically tithing. Here are responses to some of those questions:
1. What is the difference between tithing and giving?
Practice: We tithe 10% to the local church and then give to missions, building fund and other heart felt opportunities. Tithing is a floor for us, not a ceiling. We are not paralyzed by meeting some petty, required percentage—we are driven to be good stewards of God’s resources.
2. What is a tithe?
Principle: The literal meaning of the word tithe is “a tenth” or 10%. A tithe is the firstfruit of your harvest. This is given to God through your home church in faith as a practical means to finance the mission of the church (Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 23:23)
Practice: I believe in the local church and that our tithes make a difference.
3. How do you tithe?
Principle: Find a systematic way to tithe. Such as following each paycheck, once a month, or having it automatically taken out of your check, etc. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Practice: Write a check once a month or after each pay period. Many people have their tithe automatically taken out of their check.
4. What kind of attitude should I have when I tithe?
Principle: The Bible says, “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).
Practice: Most of the time I give cheerfully. Sometimes out of pure discipline. But I do it because I love God and people. I also think giving is foundational to being a healthy human being (1 Corinthians 13:3).
5. Isn’t tithing just an Old Testament concept?
Principle: Giving is a Biblical concept. Tithing is found in the Old Testament. Generous and sacrificial giving is found in the New Testament (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35). Tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament but the bar is raised considerably by Christ and the apostles of the early church. Christians must give whenever there is a need to be met. Those who get lost in a percentage amount have lost the whole point of giving.
Practice: Usually this question implies the New Testament requires less giving. Actually the opposite is true. In the New Testament they actually sold land and gave it to the church. The New Testament church went way beyond the tithe. This is why tithing is just a beginning point in my giving.
6. Should I give first to missions or tithe?
Principle: Our first and foremost responsibility is to tithe. This is both a scriptural truth and a practical truth.
Practice: Here are priorities of our giving: We should tithe first, give to missions second and then prioritize our building commitment and other heartfelt areas as God leads us.
7. If I send kids to camp or am not reimbursed for ministry expenses can include that as part of my tithe?
Principle: No! The tithe belongs to the storehouse (Malachi 3:8-10).
Practice: If you want to assit children in attending camp push yourself in giving beyond tithing.
8. What should I do if I can’t afford to tithe? Can I start with a smaller amount?
Principle: Start somewhere. The Biblical standard is to tithe. Honestly, you can’t afford NOT to tithe. If you wait until you can afford it—you will never start. Start today!
Practice: I think the big question is “are you going backward or forward with your giving?” No matter how much you give or don’t give right now—we should always be asking this question.
9. I want to tithe but my spouse doesn’t want to, what should I do?
Principle: Very good question. Be on the same page with your spouse. Most people don't reject the idea of giving. Instead of pushing the “tithe” concept agree on charitable giving. You will be surprised how open your spouse may be about giving if you frame it in the context that we should give back to this world.
Practice: Make tithing a family priority.
10. Is tithing just an adult thing? When should my children begin to tithe?
Principle: You can't start too young to teach your kids to tithe (and save).
Practice: Give your children a tithing envolpe to save the tithes until Sunday morning worship.
11. Do I need to tithe on a financial gift? Tax return? Bonuses?
Principle: If in doubt, tithe.
Practice: Yes, on the financial gift and bonuses. I don’t tithe on my tax return because I already tithed on my gross. If you tithe on your net you should tithe on your tax return. (Although, a tax return is a great opportunity to be a generous giver)
12. Can I tithe through volunteering my time and saving the church staffing expense?
Principle: We need to learn to financially give our money and time. The answer is no.
Practice: Give your time and money.
13. Is it ok for me to get a tax deduction from giving?
Principle: Yes, this is called wisdom.
Practice: We get a tax deduction for our giving.
14. If I tithe will God bless me financially?
Principle: Yes (Proverbs 11:24-25, Proverbs 3:9-10)
Practice: He has blessed me.
15. Should I tithe off of my gross income or net (after taxes and deductions)?
Principle: If in doubt, round up. The firstfruits principle would indicate gross.
Practice: I tithe on gross income.
Principle: No, begin to tithe first. I know this sounds strange but God will open up heaven and begin to give you wisdom to get out of debt.
Practice: Get out of debt. Depending on how far in debt you are, I would recommend you get help.