GIVING MORE THAN CAN AFFORD...

We’re happy to talk about Elon Musk’s money, or the money of our neighbors, or the Federal Government’s money, but we shy away from talking about our own money. But looking at someone’s bank account, check book, credit card bill sometime tells a lot about their hearts and priorities in life than a verbal testimonial. So ask yourself this question: Do you tithe/donate to the Lord’s work and do you have charitable compassion on those in need? Where should you tithe or donate? To the places God’s work is being done and where you are being fed. In my opinion, tithing to the American Red Cross or the Cancer society, or paying for your child’s education does not have anything to do with a tithe.

But here’s what God says:

“People should not steal things from God, but you stole things from me. “You say, 'What did we steal from you? ' “You should have given me one-tenth of your things. You should have given me special gifts. 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 there will not be room enough to store it Malachi 3:8-10 ERV

He makes no consideration of if you can “afford” to tithe or not—-He says that 10% belongs to Him; He gave you the hands, feet, minds and gifts to work and earn an income. He blessed you with where you born and to those special things that have come your way that you don’t deserve. The question here is simply this: Do you trust God to bless the 90% if you give the 10%?

In the New Testament, here’s what Paul said:

"In the midst of a very 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." (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)

Now ask yourself, do you? Are you giving to God’s work in a manner that mirrors the widow’s mite—-that is, giving perhaps more than you should? Lewis said this: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.”

Most believers gather together on Sundays, the first day of the week, to worship and to make their gifts. We’re told” "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." (1 Corinthians 16:2). “Keeping with your income”, obviously suggests a percentage, or a tithe, based upon how you’ve been blessed.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Giving is true loving.” Paul felt joyful about offering his whole life to serve others physically and spiritually, and reminds us that tithing should come out of a humble and hopeful heart. Our tributes need to be driven not by guilt, attention-seeking, or any other reason but a true desire to show God’s mercy. "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." (2 Corinthians 9:7). Amen! But is that how you give?

I read that there is actually scientific evidence that proves God created us to give. He, by His very nature gives and gave us the greatest gift of all 2000 years ago==and He expects the same from us—-to give to those in need——simply became they have a need and we have the resources!

Consider this:

1. Giving helps others.

Duh, but if you're blessed with the means to hear this message or read this, you have the ability to give. People depend upon the loving-kindness of Christian charity .When you give to the homeless or the poor, you add to their lives - and by adding to theirs, you add to yours too.

2. Giving inspires giving.

People who have been on the receiving end of kindness tend to give to others even when they have hardly anything to give.Perpetuating the cycle of giving makes the world a better, more humane place to live in. Be a good role-model for people around you, especially the young who are feeling entitled to receive whatever they want.

3. Giving teaches financial discipline and restraint.

When you give, you may have to make sacrifices.If you feel the urge to donate to a desperate cause regardless of your own financial standing, you learn how to do without certain things so that you can make the donation. You’ll find true peace by living within a budget! You’ll be forced to watch your spending habits, and you'll be more frugal for the month. And you'll realize you don't need that much in your life to be happy.

4. Giving cultivates self-worth.

Maybe you start off giving for a selfish reason - it makes you feel good about yourself. Even so, the effects of your kindness on others are purely positive and you can both bask in the joy that giving brings to those you've helped. Giving makes you happy. Seeing the smiles, gratitude and expressions of hope on the faces of those you are kind to makes the act of giving worthwhile. Research proves that giving leads to greater happiness for the giver. Scientists have found that those who spent money on others even though they had the option to spend the money on themselves were happier.

We live in a world where not everyone is as fortunate as their neighbour. GIVE!

-You’ll contribute to making the world a nicer place.

-You’ll make the lives of the less fortunate better.