Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. -2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV
I once fully embraced the tithing dogma. I think that I liked the certainty of it. To be in leadership in the church of my younger years one had to commit to it. Yet I think that it spoke to dark place in my ego that made me feel a bit superior to those who did not tithe. I mean really, once I gave my ten percent I had fulfilled my obligation. Such a limiting perspective.
In contrast this idea of giving, living and being generous is so much more challenging. It seems to stretch every part of me because generosity is not just about money. It cannot be calculated with our heads. It is a heart issue. It is fluid. Comparatively speaking, one can give a little and still be generous. Giving generously embraces a beautiful life attitude.
You have been so generous Lord. Help us to be mirrors of that generosity.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
I believe in tithing, and have done so for most of my Christian walk, even when we were traveling in our RV for 5 years, we always sent our tithe back to our Home Church. But, the tithe is the tithe and true "giving" comes above and beyond the tithe. When on the road we would also give, altho small amounts to the church we visited that week wherever we were. Giving is also giving of ourselves, our time, our effort, our love. This past 10 months of my husbands health, and his inability to do all the physical things he's always done, we have seen this principal of reaping generously manifested time and time again. God's WORD is sure.
ReplyDeleteI think that attitude is so important Susan. I love Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 9:7:
DeleteEach man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
If one tithes from a sense of obligation/compulsion they may not be giving generously. But if one is cheerful when they tithe they may be doing it from an attitude of generosity?