Giving and Receiving
Thursday, January 7
Giving and Receiving
For if the willingness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12
Giving and receiving has been at the heart of man since the beginning of times. It is impossible to talk about receiving without looking at giving. There are four different types of giving mentioned in the Bible that deal directly with our finances: tithe, offering, first fruits, and alms (donations). Each giving type has a design and a return. Each giving type does something to man that is deeper than the eyes can fathom. Most people do not understand that giving is not an option but a command, especially concerning tithing and first fruits. Learning about this assures us to give from the place where we see it as a privilege-joy-pleasure to participate and not a burden-problem-weight. Below you will find a summary of two of the four giving types:
Tithe – The first mention of tithe (a tenth) is in Genesis 14:20 where Abraham meets Melchizedek on his return from the defeat of the kings who had attacked Sodom and carried Lot away captive. Tithing is associated with obedience and demonstrates to God that you are aware of what belongs to Him while acknowledging what you are to do with His portion-the first tenth. In Malachi 3:8, we are asked a very simple question: “Will a man rob God?” The question is rhetorical, describing the cause of missing the mark by not following this law, and consequently the results of correction. Don’t just take my word for it, pray and ask the Lord to guide you in his stewardship of resources which the Most High God has graciously provided us.
Offering – While tithing covers 10% the remaining 90% remains yours to plant. Giving an offering is a spiritual seed you plant, in which God openly rewards your efforts. Consider the farmer, they plant not knowing the outcome, but the weather is a variable that is out of their control, although the weather is important, consistency plays a bigger factor. A farmer must plant seeds consistently; for in due season they know that they “shall reap if they faint not.”