The scripture for today, September
7 (9/7) is 2nd Corinthians 9:7 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
There are many religious leaders who insist that Christians tithe. But that was part of the Law of Moses, and Jesus nailed that written law to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
Actually, the Jews were required to give more than a tenth. (1) Deuteronomy 26:12 said the Jews had to give an extra tithe every three years for their welfare program. So, if someone tithed $900 a year, s/he would have to tithe an average of $300 more per year for the welfare program, equaling $1,200 year. If the yearly income was $9000, this would take it up to 13.3% a year. (2) Also, according to Leviticus 27, they had to pay for their vows, which in many cases were really special prayer requests. (3) They also had to buy animals for sacrifices for intentional sins, unintentional sins and sins requiring restitution. (4) If they wanted to thank God for anything, they had to buy grain for a sacrifice (Leviticus 1-5). If they didn’t have to buy the animals or grain, they had to take them out of their own supply, thus depleting their own “pay check.” (5) And every time one of their flocks or herds had a first-born, they had to sacrifice it ~ another depleting
of the “pay check.”
So the good Jew under the Law of Moses did not just tithe. He ended up giving about one third of his income. Galatians 5:3 says that, if we keep one part of the Law, we have to keep all of it. There were over 600 burdensome commandments in the Law of Moses!
In today’s scripture, Christians are being released from this burden. Instead, they are being told to decide in their own heart. Christians
are released from serving and giving through obligation, and set free to serve and give through love.
Katheryn, I think tithing is an ESSENTIAL component of a Christian as ministry requires money to operate effectively, paying Pastors, staff, the building expenses and of course aiding those in need. I know many believe it is just an O.T. Law but Malachi exhorts us to give. If left to one’s own choosing many would NOT give ample to keep the church functioning effectively. Our feelings, if not bridled can become self seeking and selfish in terms of giving.
We do have a free will but will answer some day to how we operated in this life, whether we lived for ourselves and our own greed or whether we took to heart God’s declaration that it is better to give than receive.
I have been on both sides of the fence at one time regarding giving and have seen God give me favor and blessings when I gave even if it meant the ability to do more in less time with heavenly wisdom.
Whatever is entrusted to me I want to be a good steward and give to His house and needs that arise. Giving really is a heart issue.
Thank you for your thoughts. Indeed, money is essential for building, salaries, and outreach into the community and the world. People I know who do not believe in tithing usually give more than a tithe.