Give and Receive!

I was chatting with a friend. He just received his much-awaited green card visa and has been blessed abundantly. While sharing he said, "just tithe, don't forget to give 10% to God, and he will give you so much more!".

He quoted Malachai 3:8-10 "Give your 10% increase to the Lord because that belongs to Him,, If you do that I will open the doors of Heaven to pour all the blessings and fill up your barns more than you expect- declares the LORD."

I couldn't say that I've been practicing  it 100% because of financial constraints but I am also a believer of giving back. 

But while browsing about the topic, I've come across this website: Let God Be True! discussing a post about tithing. It's kinda straight forward and is quoting biblical verses as it answers the questions. 

A tithe is basically 10% of your income, given to your church, or whoever helps your spiritual life. The question of should it be computed via gross income or net income, indicates a selfish or stingy heart, so they wrote. Why is it that when it comes to God, would a person lower his income to give Him less!... makes sense, right?

Here are their answers to what ifs:

What if I do not give? You rob God, and you will suffer (Hag 1:1-11; Mal 3:8-12; II Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7). Everything you have is from the Lord, and you should willingly give some back. It is often the love of money that causes some to oppose tithing and/or giving, but disciples of Jesus Christ give liberally, for they reject covetousness and the love of money (I Tim 6:6-10,17-19).

What if I cannot afford to give? You must be in financial trouble, so you cannot afford not to give! Joseph and Mary, though poor, brought two turtledoves for our Lord's dedication (Luke 2:22-24; Lev 12:8). Jesus took note of a widow giving two mites over rich men giving much (Lev 12:1-4). Moses required a soul offering of every citizen without regard for ability to give (Ex 30:5). The Philippians gave generously, though they were comparatively poor (II Cor 8:1-5). 

What it all means...

Should Christians tithe? No, they should give more! Israel under the weak and beggarly Old Testament gave more than 10% in tithes and offerings, so we under the blessings of the New should give more than they, and the Spirit-filled examples agree (Gal 4:9; Heb 7:19,22; 8:6; Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37). Remember, the Lord requires based on what He has given you (Luke 12:48).

What is the bottom line? The Lord is a great king, and He deserves your best (Mal 1:14; Heb 12:28-29). If you want the heart of David, you better give more than a tithe (I Chron 22:5,14-16; 29:2-5). Let the lovers of filthy lucre argue about tithing. Since the world began, God has blessed liberal givers (Gen 13:2; 26:12; 32:10; Pr 3:9-10; 11:24-26; Mal 3:8-12; Luke 6:38; II Cor 9:6). The most exciting use of your money should be generous giving to the Lord, off the top, often!

Here I am a pro-believer of how your thoughts can change your life - and then this! So I am now thinking of changing some perspective and making this happen soon! - 100%. 

Never mind about the repercussions, consequences and fearful words, it doesn't really matter. 

It basically makes sense to give. Give, give, give.. because the more we do it, the more we'll receive.

Period.

-day 147



Comments

  1. T.R.AureliusMay 18, 2012 at 3:44 AM

    it would be much better if you could give more than a 10%...., pero okay na rin yun, BASTA..., bukal sa loob mo ang pagbibigay, hindi ka napipilitan lamang....

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. tatessMay 18, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    It is better to give than to receive and it is really true .I would rather give and expect nothing than to expect somebody to give me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mai FloresMay 20, 2012 at 2:24 AM

    I've never come across this kind of thinking, so I've never been able to give that much back. At least, I understand more of the teaching behind it now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vonn Angelie DavidMay 20, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    I strongly believe in the saying that true giving is the one where 'it already hurts
    '

    ReplyDelete
  5. ViviMay 20, 2012 at 3:39 AM

    Yeah it is better to give and not expect anything in return. Free will is always a better choice.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BlancaMay 20, 2012 at 4:52 AM

    Give and it will be returned to you in hundredfolds. I already have proven this to be true more than a couple of times. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Franc RamonMay 20, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    Give, Give, Give and not expecting anything in return and you're in for a lot of great surprises.

    ReplyDelete
  8. FervilMay 20, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Wow, these memory verses are truly inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  9. athenaMay 20, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    it is truly a beautiful thing to give but even better to expect nothing in return.
    Blessings came from God and should be shared with others too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. chrisairMay 23, 2012 at 7:02 AM

    I believe in tithing too, what you give will come back to us with more

    ReplyDelete
  11. marriMay 23, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Very enlightening post.
    I like this question...
    "Why is it that when it comes to God, would a person lower his income to give Him less!... makes sense, right?"
    I believe in this but I'm not sure if I follow 100%. Oh GOD may you forgive me....

    ReplyDelete

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