Three times a year the Jews were to attend three particular feast and when they came they shall not come before the Lord empty handed, but shall bring a gift according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given to you. In like manner should we not also include giving to God, according to his blessing to us, as part of our worship of God? When we give how much should be given? The Law established the tithe as 10% of everything they earned and grew, but when Jesus died on the cross, he fulfilled the requirements of the Law and made the mandatory 10% tithe obsolete. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul suggest an offering in size related to God's blessing. Whatever size gift is given it must be intentional, from the heart and cheerfully given (2 Corinthians 9:7). Proper giving is not without reward (Luke 6:38) and giving is one thing you can test the Lord on (Malachi 3:10). It is amazing today how many attend church and give nothing or maybe just a token amount. Is this an expression of God's gift to you or a lack of a thankful heart? "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, "How have we to robbed you?" In your tithes and contributions." (Malachi 3:8). Remember, as we give our account in heaven is credited (Philippians 4:7).
Prayer
Father, your gift to us was your Son, Jesus Christ, and through him we have salvation, a gift so rich and free. Father, each day we experience the kindness of your grace, your mercy and a love that has no limit. We are so richly blessed to be in Christ, for besides him there is no other. Father, have mercy on us and forgive us for not loving and serving you in return as we should. We are so unwilling to sacrifice ourselves to advance the Gospel and so selfish about our financial gifts in support of the kingdom of Christ. Encourage us to give as we are able according to your blessing to us.
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