“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.”
Deuteronomy 16:17
When the subject of giving is mentioned, there are some standard reactions.
The negative or greedy person says, “The church is always asking for money.”
The evading person says, “I give to other causes.”
There is a statement on giving included in God’s instructions to the Israelites
for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles.
First, notice the context is one that emphasizes rejoicing in the Lord.
And rejoice before the Lord your God at the place he will choose
as a dwelling for his Name—you, your sons and daughters,
your male and female servants, the Levites in your towns,
and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows living among you.
Deuteronomy 16:11
Be joyful at your festival—you, your sons and daughters,
your male and female servants, and the Levites, the foreigners,
the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns.
For seven days celebrate the festival to the Lord your God
at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will
bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands,
and your joy will be complete.
Deuteronomy 16:14-15
These were times of celebration.
Our hearts should be filled with the joy of the Lord.
Second, notice that they were not to come empty-handed.
Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God
at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread,
the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles.
No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed.
Deuteronomy 16:16
Words are cheap, but giving costs.
The gifts brought reflected what was in each person’s heart.
Giving with joy shows the genuineness of our worship.
Third, notice the gift was to be in proportion to the way they had been blessed.
Each of you must bring a gift in proportion
to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 16:17
This was a tithe, however it was not a percentage gift, but a proportionate one.
In the same way, our giving is to be as “God has blessed” or “in keeping with our income”
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 16:2
Some people find joy as they gain and keep.
But followers of God also have joy, and from their gain, they give.
How do you feel in your heart about giving?
Does your giving to the Lord’s work follow this pattern?
Consider a tithe (10%) as the starting point for giving.
Pray and ask the Lord to teach you how you should give.
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
Discussion
No comments yet.