How giving more than your tithes brings financial increase
Some keys to receiving the full benefits of tithing are:
1.)You have to actually tithe – The “first” 10% of “all” your increase is the tithe. (Malachi 3:10, Leviticus 27:30, Proverbs 3:9)
2.)You must be prepared to receive financial increase - God will not give you more money until He knows you are ready for it. (Matthew 25: 21, 23)
3.)You must create and utilize a financial budget – A budget is the best way to put action with your faith; it lets God know that you have a plan to manage the money He wants to give you. (James 2:17)
Maybe you can place a check mark next to all three items above. That’s great! But, let’s look at another important factor in determining just how much you will receive from God. That is your giving. Giving of your financial resources over and above your tithes is not optional. The Bible teaches that we rob God not only by withholding our tithes, but also by not giving offerings. Malachi 3:8 – “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings.” While tithes are to be given to your local church (Malachi 3:10), offerings can be given to an individual or family in need or any other worthy cause. But, what is so magical about giving a little bit (or a lot) more than your tithes?
Here are some thoughts on giving that you may have never considered. The term “give” or “giving” from this point on refers to financial gifts over and above the tithe, not the tithe itself.
1.) Everyone can afford to give, and give generously – 2 Corinthians 8:2 - Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. (NIV)
It is possible to have joy, and be a giver, even in the midst of severe trials and extreme poverty. When is the last time you tried to “give” your way out of a financial jam? Giving is the ladder that reaches to the top of the deepest financial holes. Each time you give, you extend your ladder. If those living in extreme poverty can be generous, so can you.
2.) The amount you give is important - 2 Corinthians 9:6 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
Whether you are under financial pressure or not, a fair question to ask is “If giving is so important, then how much should I give?” This can be answered by asking another question – “How much do you want to receive?” The key is that you take a step of faith in your giving, and give on a regular basis. Give as you are able, and then some. Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God…(NIV) Depending on your current financial circumstances, your $10.00 gift may be larger than someone else’s $500.00 gift. God knows the step of faith that was required in each case.
Prayerfully, and with your spouse, seek the Lord’s guidance regarding your giving. A few years ago my wife and I committed to giving a certain amount of money over and above our tithes to our church’s building project. We looked at our budget and decided on an amount that we thought was affordable. However, through prayer, it occurred to me, “If I can come up with the money on my own, there is no faith involved.” So, out of a desire to please God, help our church, and receive more in return, I suggested to my wife that we “double” the amount. To my surprise, God had put the same amount on her heart. We were nervous about it, but we took a step of faith, made the commitment, and little by little over the next 4 years fulfilled that commitment. During that time, I received “two” 25% pay raises that I believe was God honoring our step of faith. This leads me to #3.
3.) First comes the giving, then comes the increase – Proverbs 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.(NIV)
God’s Word teaches the way to receive is to give. The generous prosper. Holding a tight grip on what you already have leads to poverty. A farmer will never reap a harvest unless he first plants seed. You cannot continually eat/withhold your seed and survive long term. You will eventually run out, so get some seed in the ground while you can.
Far too many are waiting for extra income to show up before they become givers. Giving precedes increase. Remember that we’re talking about giving over and above the tithe. The tithe is God’s, up front, off the top, period. Giving that produces significant financial increase occurs when you are generous beyond your tithes.Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.(NIV) First comes generosity, then prosperity.
4.) The attitude with which you give is important – 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV)
How can you be happy about giving when, in your heart, you’re afraid to? The bills are piling up, and you feel like you’re doing well just to pay tithes. However, fear is not of God and must be overcome. Fear of any kind is beaten by facing it head-on. If you’re afraid to speak publicly, the more you do it, the less fearful you become and the easier it gets. So, how can you become the cheerful giver that God loves? Start by giving what is on your heart to give whether it’s a large or small gift. A funny thing happens when you start giving - fear diminishes and you find yourself truly desiring to increase your giving. This is especially true when you find that God really does cause givers to be increased. The more you give, the more cheerful your giving becomes – just the attitude God wants you to have.
When asked to give, consider it a privilege and an opportunity to bring increase to someone else’s life and to yours. Let the cheerful, non-reluctant giving begin. The results will amaze you. Givers get ready! Your increase is on the way!
