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II Corinthians 8.12 (NIV)
For if the willingness
is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to
what he does not have.
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| True giving is measured by obedience, proportion and need, not by amount.* |
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In the New Testament, God hasn’t specified that we continue
the Old Testament practice of tithing, but it contains some guidelines to giving that are applicable today.
The
principle introduced here by Paul seems like one of those “it goes without
saying” statements. Of course God doesn’t expect more from us than we have!
Paul may be saying that “if the heart is in it,” the gift is the right amount,”* but if we are
asking, “How little can I give and still be pleasing to God?”
then it doesn’t seem that the heart is in the right place at all. A heart that is properly willing would realize – and rejoice in the fact
– that no, we are not obligated to tithe; we can give more than that!*
We often fail to
understand that giving is a spiritual issue. I strongly recommend giving as a
starting point for growing in faith as you trust God to provide. It is an act
of surrender, leading to a life of obedience. And it establishes a pattern of
generosity that follows the example of our Savior.
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| Unless there is first a willing mind in the case God does not want a contribution, because He is not poor and does not need it.* |
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