| 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Paul says, "Whoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly." This is the principle of sowing and reaping in the world. Paul uses this analogy for tithes and offerings. Actually, giving is an exercise of faith, particularly in terms of tithing (giving 10%). In the Bible, God clearly tells us all children belonging to God are to tithe. Part of this is to fund the work of God, but another part of it is to see whether we care more about money or about God? Are we serving God, or are we serving money? 10% may not sound like much, but when it comes to giving, it is not little either. God is humorous. He has calculated it just right. 10% does not sound difficult, but it is not easy to do. This is the lesson of faith that God has given us. God asked us to give, not because he cares about how much you give, but it is a question of Lordship. In all of God's commandments, this one is the easiest to keep. The others, such as loving one another, preaching the gospel, are honestly difficult. Only tithing is the easiest for us to obey. If it is so difficult to obey God in something that appears so simple, how can we sa that we truly love God and obey God? Tithing is not only a command and a lesson of faith, but also a channel of God's blessings. The book of Malachi says, "Test me in this 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. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus said, "A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." Paul said in the book of Philippians, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." God's promises far exceed what we can imagine. Are we willing to obey His Word and step out in faith? Giving is not only a lesson of faith, but should also be willing and cheerful. If we give in order to get a tax deduction, you will not receive the satisfaction or joy. If you give so that other people will see you putting it in the offering bag, it will not bring you satisfaction or joy. Even if you give in order to receive God's blessings, you will not have satisfaction or joy. Giving needs to be out of a thankful heart, willingly giving God what He deserves. When we give cheerfully and willingly, we will receive blessings from God. Brothers and sisters, are you willing to start exercising your faith in this area now? Pray with Pastor Tong Liu 
Lord, I pray that you will help us to obey you in the area of tithes and offering, remembering whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. May you increase our faith so that we may sow generously into spiritual things, and reap your generous blessing. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen! |
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