How Much Must We Give?

I realize that donating to the church is a controversial subject. It has caused congregants to leave while others justified their lack of giving by saying we don't have to tithe. But never mind what people say. What does the Bible say about giving to the church?

First of all, we must give gladly. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) that congregants must donate, "Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

But how much money must we give? Paul laid out the amount and day of donating in 1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV). "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

Notice that there's no percentage specified. Some folks can't afford to give much money. Certain ministers have caused members to give more than they could afford to give, causing families to go without essentials.

Paul also said in Acts 20:35 (KJV) that, "I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Therefore, the attitude we ought to have is one of constant and habitual generosity. With proper budgeting for the emerging needs of missions, needs of the poor congregants, and our own family needs, we can please our Lord through helping those in need of spiritual and physical help.

I'll be writing about the misunderstanding of giving as a sign of self righteousness in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Some folks figure that they can impress God and others with how much they donate, blowing a metaphorical trumpet in front of themselves. That self-aggrandizing attitude most certainly won't impress our Lord.

I'll be posting on Thursday about people's lack of commitment to the Lord. Righteousness isn't a DIY project but we must follow the Holy Spirit's lead in all matters of life.