Why Do We Give?
Throughout history, followers of Jesus have returned a tithe (a tenth) of their income in gratitude to God. This principle is found throughout the Bible, from Abraham all the way through the New Testament. Take some time in this step to explore why so many followers of Jesus have given a tithe of their income to the work that God is doing.
What Does The Bible Say About Giving?
God speaks clearly about the importance of the Tithe in the book of Malachi:
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty.
“Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 3:10-12
But “why does God need my money?” you might ask. The answer to that question is two parts.
First, God does not need anything from us. The one who can create the universe from nothing could also very easily create any needed resource. God does not need our money, but he has chosen to invite us to partner with Him in His work. Tithes and offerings are not an obligation, instead these are a blessing and opportunity that God has offered to us!
“We have found in our own home, as have thousands of others, that God’s blessing upon the nine-tenths, when we tithe, helps it to go farther than ten-tenths without His blessing.”
Billy Graham
Second, we must remember who actually provided our resources. When we call it “my money” we forget that God has graciously given us the ability to work, to learn, to create wealth, even to get up in the morning with breath in our lungs. There is nothing that we “own” that has not been given to us by God.
A Shift In Thinking
When we tithe we are not losing a portion of what belongs to us. On the contrary, in the tithe we are actually returning to God a portion of what truly all belongs to Him!
Begin to step out in faith and bring the whole tithe (10% of your income) to the Lord. We believe that as you step out in faith in this area, you will learn to trust God more, enjoy partnering with God, and see the many ways He blesses your faithfulness.
There are a number of ways you can give at Discovery Church. You can give in person at our services, through the mail or you can give online.
Click here to give online to the work of Discovery Church.
Want more info on the tithe?
Ramsey solutions has put together a 10 minute read that answers some of the frequently asked questions about tithing in the article called Tithes and Offerings: Your Questions Answered. Read through the article and discuss what you read with a friend.
Think this might be the next step for you?
Have a Growth Talk conversation about it! A Growth Talk is a chance to discuss with someone else the step you are preparing to take. For more information on Growth Talk and for help finding the right person visit the Growth Talk Page. You can use the “Growth Talk” button to visit the page and begin the conversation.
Identity
