How Much Should You Give?
How do you determine how much you should give? How much effort should you give to others? How much time, energy and money should you give to church? How much should you spend on gifts? When is enough, enough? And when is it not enough?
Some people develop formulas that help direct them as to how much to give. They figure that they ought to give 10% (a tithe) of their income to their church. Some decide that they will give to others an amount of time or money that will be comparable to what they will receive from others. That way they are not putting a strain on the relationship by giving more or less than others are giving to them.
At Christmas they want to give gifts that are comparable to what they will receive. And, when they are invited to dinner, they will be quick to repay by inviting the hosts back to their home in return. They determine what is enough by what they have, or by what seems most appropriate.
The Bible, however, paints a different picture for determining how much to give. “Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Though formulas and guidelines can be helpful, they are not sufficient in themselves. We must take time to seek God in each situation, and determine what we think He wants us to do. When we have some sense of what we believe God wants, when we agree with His intent in our hearts, then we are ready to move ahead with joy. The joy springs from an awareness of God’s concern and involvement. Our giving is no longer based on our closed system of resources; instead it is tied to God’s purposes and provision.
When you join in with God in your giving, you will find that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) When we come to terms with what is actually in our hearts and give according to God’s will, we tap into God’s limitless resources. Percentages and formulas cannot keep pace with God’s property of multiplication. Enough is enough when it’s God’s will. It’s not based on coercion or guilt or appropriateness. It is more closely related to need, concern, abundance and generosity.
The boundaries and limits for how much we are to give are not stagnant and steady. Instead they are dynamic and changing. We must come into each situation and setting with fresh eyes and perspectives, looking for what God wants to do – and give accordingly. We must follow God’s leading, knowing that He will provide what we need so we can continue bless those around us. This kind of giving is a continual, growing adventure with God. Are you interested in shifting your concern from proper amounts of your resources to God’s will and His provision? Are you ready to enter God’s Kingdom giving adventure?
Pastor Tom Griffith
tgriffith@rolcboston.org
