What is taught about giving?
Introduction. Giving is indeed a Biblical subject. Giving is as old as recorded history. Abel gave unto God the firstlings of his flock (Gen. 4: 4). Abraham gave a tenth of all (Heb. 7: 2).
Giving under the Mosaic Code. The Jew had numerous requirements relative to giving (Ex. 22: 29, 23: 16-19). When one considers all the many requirements pertaining to giving, the faithful Jew appears to have given about 30 percent of his income (living).
Giving under Christ's system. As one searches the New Testament, the law under which we presently live, (Hebrews 7-9) relative to what is required of Christians pertaining to giving, one does not find any specific figures or numbers as in the case of the Mosaic Code. Concerning the local church, Christians are to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor. 16: 2), bountifully (2 Cor. 9: 6), and as one has purposed in one's heart (2 Cor. 9: 7). The willing mind is primary and then one gives as one is able (2 Cor. 8: 12). Giving reflects one's love (2 Cor. 8: 8). Christians are to give to those who have need (Eph. 4: 28; Jas. 1: 27). Another act of giving which is basic is, "... but first gave their own selves to the Lord..." (2 Cor. 8: 5). Hence, before one can really give, one must give himself to the Lord.
Conclusion. The greatest act of giving is recorded in the Bible. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3: 16). In teaching the Corinthians how to give, Paul used the greatest example of all: Jesus (2 Cor. 8: 9). When we consider all that God has done for us, we ought to want to give. We should want to give our time, our talents, our money, our thoughts, our speech, our energies, and ourselves. We can never out-give God.
Giving under the Mosaic Code. The Jew had numerous requirements relative to giving (Ex. 22: 29, 23: 16-19). When one considers all the many requirements pertaining to giving, the faithful Jew appears to have given about 30 percent of his income (living).
Giving under Christ's system. As one searches the New Testament, the law under which we presently live, (Hebrews 7-9) relative to what is required of Christians pertaining to giving, one does not find any specific figures or numbers as in the case of the Mosaic Code. Concerning the local church, Christians are to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor. 16: 2), bountifully (2 Cor. 9: 6), and as one has purposed in one's heart (2 Cor. 9: 7). The willing mind is primary and then one gives as one is able (2 Cor. 8: 12). Giving reflects one's love (2 Cor. 8: 8). Christians are to give to those who have need (Eph. 4: 28; Jas. 1: 27). Another act of giving which is basic is, "... but first gave their own selves to the Lord..." (2 Cor. 8: 5). Hence, before one can really give, one must give himself to the Lord.
Conclusion. The greatest act of giving is recorded in the Bible. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3: 16). In teaching the Corinthians how to give, Paul used the greatest example of all: Jesus (2 Cor. 8: 9). When we consider all that God has done for us, we ought to want to give. We should want to give our time, our talents, our money, our thoughts, our speech, our energies, and ourselves. We can never out-give God.