Giving to God – What, Why and How?

I do not receive money from any church or ministry.

“And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

(Genesis 14:20 - New International Version)

When you go to church on a Sunday, meet for a study during the week, or are visited by a pastor in a time of need, it is easy to forget how these things are able to happen. Unfortunately there are costs involved in running ministries, big and small, and these costs have to be covered somehow. Many times, particularly in smaller ministries, those involved cover the costs themselves, but it isn't always possible. The larger the ministry, the more is needed to continue the work God inspires. Regular giving is needed to keep ministries going so God’s people can do what He asks.

“‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.”

(Matthew 23:23 - New International Version)

Some people say that giving is not needed any more, as tithing was Old Testament law which was overwritten by the new covenant of Jesus. This simply isn't true. As you can see, Jesus requires us to be just, merciful and faithful, and is critical of those who are not, but also clearly states we should not neglect giving. Jesus knew that the ministry to come, over the years until His return, would need the financial support of His people.

What should I give?

“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

(1 Corinthians 16:1-2 - New International Version)

Paul states that regular giving, proportionately based on income, is needed. This is an incredibly fair system. Gyms and other clubs charge a set fee, no matter your income, meaning that access to some is denied. If you have no income or low income you will not be turned away from the church. Your responsibility to God is to give from what you have, but you don't have to stop at 10%…you can give more!

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17 - New International Version)

Did you know that, in the Old Testament, giving ended up at about 23% of a person’s yearly income? There were multiple feasts in the Hebrew calendar, all requiring, as part of the law, that gifts were given for the upkeep of the temple and the priests. Suddenly the modern 10% doesn't seem so bad! There is no specific figure mentioned in the New Testament; churches have adopted the Old Testament 10% but, as you can see, this is way less than in Old Testament days!

Why should I give?

“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”

(Galatians 6:6 - New International Version)

Paul requires that we should support the ministry of the church, ensuring that those who work for God have support for themselves and their families. We pay taxes and bills to receive secular benefits; shouldn't we be MORE willing to support those who teach us about God and work to save souls?

“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil – this is a gift of God.”

(Ecclesiastes 5:19 - New International Version)

Everything on the earth was created by God, so when we prosper we do so because of His gifts. The talents we have which earn us money come from Him. When we do not give back to God from what we have earned we are taking away from Him what is rightly His.

A study in the US found the following: comparing those who gave to non-givers, using a variety of financial indicators, it was found that givers were more financially healthy in every category. It was discovered that 80 percent of givers had no unpaid credit card bills, 74 percent didn't owe finance on their cars, 48 percent were mortgage free and 28 percent had no debts whatsoever. God blesses those who give.

“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.’”

(Luke 6:38 - New International Version)

Now it is not guaranteed when you tithe that your finances will instantly be healed, God will not promise a lottery win, but it is clear that people who give to God manage their money in a way that shows they have been blessed. Much of it is to do with the more Christ-like attitudes that givers have; they are less likely to get trapped in the rat race of consumerism as they see themselves as custodians of their money, using it for God’s purposes, rather than as people who need to acquire more and more stuff.

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

(1 Timothy 6:17-19 - New International Version)

This doesn't mean that God won't want you to have a nice house, car, holidays or the like as a reward for your hard work, just that they should not be your priority. Many people’s money problems are caused because they have the wrong priorities. If your focus is on money, you can easily develop attitudes of greed, envy and covetousness. A focus on God and doing good things that comes from His will prevents these attitudes from developing, as your joy comes from Christ, not gaining possessions.

How should I give?

Give quietly and humbly – don't use it as a way to make yourself look good.

“Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 6:1 - New International Version)

Give with a grateful and cheerful heart…don't give because you HAVE to, give because you WANT to.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

(2 Corinthians 9:7 - New International Version)