This is designed to assist those who want to make a financial gift to help support the ministries of our church. We believe giving our time, energy and financial resources to support Christ’s work and to meet the needs of others should be a priority in the life of every Christian. The Bible speaks often and specifically regarding what, how and when we should give.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Giving God our “firstfruits” means we give to Him first and then live on what we have left. Waiting until the end of the month to give is like serving “leftovers” to a guest. God is not honored when we give Him only what is left over. Giving God His portion first is an expression of faith in His desire and ability to provide for our needs.
“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 NIV
From the beginning of His relationship with His people, God has asked us to bring Him “sacrifices.” The very word sacrifice implies giving up something that is important to us, something we would otherwise keep for ourselves. As Jesus observed various givers and called attention to them (Mary, the widow with two mites, Zacheus) it was not the amount of the gift that pleased Him, but instead the amount of personal sacrifice.
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'” "In tithes and offerings. 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 you will not have room enough to receive it.’” Malachi 3:8,10 NIV
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. Luke 11:42 NIV
According to the Bible, God has taught His people from the beginning to give Him a minimum of ten percent of their income. The “tithe” as it is called, is not the end of our giving, but a beginning point. God is pleased when we do more than is required of us, for this is the truest expression of love.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV
God is as concerned with our attitude as He is with our action. He makes special note of the giver’s attitude. We should not give out of guilt or manipulation, but rather giving should be a joyful experience. The more we grow in our giving, the more exciting it is to know we are investing in eternity.
Now about the collection for God's people: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
We should also strive to be consistent in our giving. We may choose to give weekly, monthly or even annually, but we should have some plan for consistent giving.