The reason for all giving is that you may share in the joy of raising up life where there was brokenness and bring peace where there has been conflict.  God gives us the opportunity to participate in His life-giving work.  We experience His joy as we share our lives with others.   He invites us to give our money, time, and abilities.   If you receive no joy when you give, then something is wrong.

How much should I give?

Psalm 116:12 asks, “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?”  The Old Testament taught that 10% before taxes belonged to God.  In addition to that tithe, the Hebrews brought offerings to God (sin offerings or thank offerings).  In Malachi 3, the Lord admonishes the people for robbing Him by not being faithful in their tithing.  He invited them to test Him and see if He wouldn’t bless them abundantly if they would tithe.

The New Testament doesn’t cancel this Old Testament guideline, but builds upon  it.  We have greater freedom in the Lord, now that we are under grace, not law.  In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul says “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.”  That means the more we get, the more we give.  2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  In addition to regular tithing there may be times when you’ll want to give a special gift of thanks to the Lord because He has blessed you in a special way.  

As long as you give by check, or marked envelope, we are able to give you a year-end account for purposes of filing your tax forms.  May the Lord make us all liberal like Him in this one regard - liberal in giving!