What Does the Bible Teach About Giving?
Under the Old Covenant, Israel was commanded to give tithes (the word 'tithe' simply means, "ten percent") for specific purposes within the Levitical system. But when we read about the New Testament church, we don't find Christians commanded to give ten percent of their income - or even obligated to!
Instead, New Testament giving is characterized by freedom, willingness, generosity, and purpose of heart.
Paul told the believers at Corinth:
2 CORINTHIANS 9:7
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Notice what is absent: a required percentage. The believer determines in his own heart what to give. It is not to be given reluctantly, under pressure or because someone has made giving a requirement.
However, Scripture does teach Christians are to be generous (Lk. 6:38, Acts 20:35, Heb. 13:16, 1 Tim. 6:17-19, Prov. 19:17). We can help those in need, support those laboring in ministry and contribute toward the work of spreading the Gospel. Scripture also specifically calls for support toward those who labor in the Word:
1 TIMOTHY 5:17
"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching."
So, if you are being helped by our sermons and diligent study of Scripture, please free to support this work.
GALATIANS 6:6
"Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches."
The Apostle Paul gives a succinct summation of the right to earthly support in the ministry, even the right to refrain from working, especially when sowing spiritual benefit toward others:
1 CORINTHIANS 9:4-12
"Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? 8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ."
Giving is therefore not a payment to God, a way to get blessed and rich or a condition of salvation. Salvation is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ. Giving is something a believer does freely out of love and a desire to participate in the work God is doing.
But we live in a world of abuse, especially by the Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith false teaching, so it is of utmost importance that you test everything by Scripture.
If you do choose to support Living Stones Fellowship, thank you. We want every gift to be given freely, without pressure or obligation.