“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
– Luke 6:38
We’ve been talking a lot about becoming a person of Kingdom generosity, especially in the area of tithing, or offering the first 10% of our income to the work of God. Today, I want to share with you some details about what this actually looks like in our lives, especially during this holiday season that centers so much around giving. I believe that when you tithe, you make your church your default. This means that when you’re not sure about what to give to, you give your home fellowship the whole 10%. However, if the Lord puts something else on your heart, or if he puts someone with a need in your path, it’s okay to give to that thing. For example, if you have a next door neighbor who just lost their job and they get another job but they have a weird two week gap between paychecks so they can’t make their rent, you pay the rent. Or if you have friends who have a bunch of kids and tight finances and you realize that they really need a date night, offer to babysit their kids and buy them movie tickets and a gift card to a restaurant. Even though it’s not tithing in a traditional sense, it is doing the Lord’s work because it involves giving to your neighbor, and nobody knows your neighbor as well as you do! Friend, the purpose of the tithe is to bless people and to proclaim the Kingdom of God on earth. This is why I will always encourage you to give 10% of all your income to Jesus’ mission. Seek Him, ask Him how He wants you to give, and then follow His lead; as you do, you will experience a depth of joy and freedom that you have never had before. I promise you, becoming a person of Christlike generosity will totally and utterly transform your life. So do it! Go out today and give something away! |
Prayer
I thank you, Jesus, for giving me opportunities to be your hands and feet to my friends and neighbors. Give me eyes to see their needs and a heart willing to bless them.
Reflection
Can you think of a friend or neighbor who is in need today? What might you do to help them?
One Response
I am looking for a message that said “Let the church be your default.” I saw this message delivered twice and told a friend about it. She was so excited and said she’d like to read it. I wonde if it is published? Thank you.