GIVING
We believe there are several areas into which the Bible either commands or encourages giving. However, giving should never be out of a sense of compulsion because the heart that the gift is given with is of greatest importance. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “ Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”. The issues of giving the Bible speaks about are: Tithing
This is regular giving into the life of the local church. Tithing under the law represented a tenth but the principle of tithing pre-dated the giving of the law. The New Testament addresses this issue of regular giving to God and distinguishes it from giving to special needs.
Paul, speaking of the Macedonian church’s giving to a special offering says “ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability.”( 2 Corinthians 8:3-5) We believe it is the responsibility of every Christian to tithe into their local Church ( Malachi 3:9-10) and in a New Testament context of 1 Corinthians 16:2 we should be guided as, “ On the first day of every week each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” |
