Grace of Christian Giving – 28th February 2016

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 6:1)

Very often, people ask or wonder "what are the basic biblical principles for Christian giving?" As we seek God's answer to that question and as we contemplate our own giving to the Lord's church in response to the clear teaching of His Word, perhaps it would be wise and helpful to review those principles discussed below.

First, we can get a clear understanding when we read the Word of God found in Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven”. We are told that as Christians we should NOT resort to making a great demonstration when we give or help the needy. We can learn more when we read on further in the same passage:2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.” Jesus teaches that if we make a great song and dance when we practice our rightness deeds, because then that action is for the benefit of one’s self and not for the glory of God. We can learn further where He teaches that our righteousness should be known only within you and God who will reward us. We don’t need a honor or reward from the world when we help the needy: “Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you”.

Next important understanding is when the apostle Paul teaches regarding the ‘offering’ or what we know as tithing. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in the Old Testament which the Israelite's were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the temple. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made”. The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. We can understand when we read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.

As Christians we must know that the Lord Jesus expects and requires us to give. Jesus said to His disciples, "when you give" not "if you give" (Matthew 6:2)! Hence, Christian giving is not optional, but rather essential because we need to love others and if that is true to one’s self, we should be ready to help others in need. But as Christians we must bear in mind that the Lord Jesus wants us to give for the right reasons. Jesus warned His disciples NOT to give for the sake of being admired by men. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them," (Matthew 6:1). When we give, we must be careful to examine our motives. We give for the glory of God and the good of His people.

The Lord Jesus teaches us to practice benevolent or charitable giving. Jesus said "When you give to the poor . . . ." (Matthew 6:2-3). Jesus is specifically teaching about "alms" in this passage: aid, charity, or benevolent offerings for the needy. On His requirement for our giving, Jesus reminds us that our giving is ultimately to the all-seeing heavenly Father. Jesus said "When you give . . . ; your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). When we give, we are not simply adding to the Church budget, we are giving up a thank offering to the Father Himself. Thus, we must all give "as unto the Lord." We must understand that if the body of the church does not have finances, how can it exist and bring many others to God…because our ultimate goal in giving is to please Him by bringing many others to Him.

The Bible also teaches us that Christian giving is an act of worship to God. In Paul's word's "On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Paul here teaches that the offering is an act of worship which is to be a part of their regular – for us Sunday - worship. When we place that offering, we are worshiping Almighty God in accordance with His Word. Note well, Paul is speaking here of a "collection for the saints" - this is giving by the Church to the Church for the Church…ultimately for the Glory of God. As Christians we must know that that the liberality of God's blessings to us is connected to the liberality of our Christian giving. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." As Christians we must know that the desire and the means to be generous both stems from God." Therefore one needs to ask: the Lord has given you much, so have I given much or a minute fraction?

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven”.(Matthew 6:1)