2 Corinthians 9:4-7
Right out the box; I want to establish the difference between giving and tithing.
Giving is to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation.
Tithing is a tenth of the produce of the earth consecrated and set apart for special purposes. The dedication of a tenth to God was recognized as a duty before the time of Moses. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:6); notice that this is pre-law. During this time there was no money to exchange; crops and animals were used as their source of wealth. Today we have produce from the earth and money; however, no one will accept animals or crops as payment unless it’s being used to barter.
GOD will bless us when we give our resources, time, talents and money. All we have been given that provided a need and sometimes a want was given to us by GOD. Let’s look at it this way without a job; you may go hungry; you may not own or rent your own home; you will not be able to purchase the clothes and shoes you like. GOD gave you the talent to perform the task that you get paid for where you are employed; GOD opened the door for you to get that job instead of someone else; GOD takes pleasure in the fact that you can meet your needs because of the income you receive. Here’s the flip side; GOD is not pleased when you see those in need and you do nothing to help. You only give because you feel pressured. You only give because you were asked to help and you don’t want to look like a sap because you see and know that a person is in great need of help. GOD desires that we give cheerfully and generously; we can give our time; talents; resources or money. There is nothing at all wrong with having more than enough to be comfortable; what is wrong is that you have more than enough and you are selfish. Our possessions will never bring us fullness of joy though it will bring us temporary happiness. Don’t believe me just follow the entertainers; sports figures; realty moguls and such. Possession will not provide health; peace of mind or security. When we decide to make an investment in the lives of others with our resources and our abilities; we can choose what will ultimately profit not only ourselves but we are choosing to advance the work of GOD.
