Why Give?
We give as a statement of God’s ownership of all our assets. Psalm 24:1 (NASB)
1 The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.
We give as an act of worship toward our Gracious and generous God. 2 Corinthians 9:12 (NASB)
12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
We see the Biblical example of a 10% tithe as a general guiding amount: a goal for the beginning giver and a milestone to pass on the way to generous giving for the mature believer. (Grace Giving) Genesis 14:20 (NASB)
20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." He gave him a tenth of all.
Giving to our church (local assembly) is where we start, but is not an excuse to not be generous to our brothers who are in need. Matthew 23:23 (NASB)
23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
Giving is a response to God’s grace and generosity toward the giver. It is not a meritorious act to garner God’s favor. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB)
7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
While the local church needs its members to give in order to fund its ministries, God does not need our gifts, but desires them as evidence of our growing faith and relationship with Him. Psalm 50:12 (NASB)
12 "If I were hungry I would not tell you, For the world is Mine, and all it contains.
We believe that our gifts to the Lord will draw our hearts to Him. Matthew 6:24 (NASB)
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Giving to the Lord helps us to follow this instruction: 1 John 2:15 (NASB)
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
To give nothing to God is to value His blessings as nothing. Deuteronomy 16:17 (NASB)
17 "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.
While we are told to not give in pride or to gain approval, we’re also told to let our light shine among men in such a way as to bring glory to God. Matthew 5:16 (NASB)
16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.