Generosity

Hey Girls,

Do you consider yourself a generous person? Do you give of your time or your money to others in need? Well, growing up in a church environment, I was always taught to tithe but then later on in life, as I learned more about following the leadings of God's Spirit, I realized that it is more important to live in generosity to others.

Well, let's see what the Bible has to say about tithing. In Deuteronomy 14: 22 it says "You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year." Then in Deuteronomy 26:12 it states, "Every third year you must offer a special tithe of your crops. In this year of the special tithe you must give your tithes to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows, so that they will have enough to eat in your towns." In Biblical times, the tithes went to the Levites on a regular basis who took care of the Temple and they gave a tenth of that in a sacred offering to God (Numbers 18:26).


Ok, so did this change when Jesus came? Well Jesus often criticized the religious leaders of the day for their concern and obsession with keeping every detail of the law; "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things," Matthew 23:23. It seemed as if Jesus was not after their 10% but instead looking at their heart, the way they gave and how they treated others. Remember the story when Jesus and his disciples were at the temple and they were watching people give their tithes? They saw wealthy individuals giving out of all their wealth, something they wouldn't miss but then they saw this poor widow who gave everything she had (Mark 12:41-44); "Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.  For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”


Ok, so we can see here that generosity in giving is very important. Yet, are we required to give a regular 10%? When Jesus came, he changed everything.  We're not bound by the rules of law and regulations but have freedom in following Jesus, knowing his mercy and grace, being led by the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 tells it clearly, "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you." 


We are called to be generous with our giving and the Holy Spirit will direct us inside on how much to give. We just have to be faithful to give. When we give, than we will receive blessing. You won't be left with nothing, in fact, all your needs will be met and you'll have enough to share with others. We are led by the Spirit, not under the law, like the Bible says in Galatians 5:18. 


So I think it is really important that we do what God tell us, that we give generously to those in need. If you don't know who to give to, ask God and he can tell you. Sometimes giving at church is important but it doesn't always have to be that way. You could support organizations that help others, or maybe you know a family member who is in need and God lays it on your heart to pay their next car payment for them- that's giving too. Yet I'll admit, giving is hard. Maybe you have student loans, or you're just starting out in life, maybe looking for work and finances are tight. That doesn't mean you shouldn't give. God will bless you and provide if you are faithful to give.


I encourage you, don't forget to be generous to those in need. Listen to the Holy Spirit and you'll know exactly what God is calling you to do. Then step out in faith and do it.