Statement #7: Being a Cheerful Giver
- thereformingtravel3
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
“I will cheerfully and regularly contribute to this church from the resources God has given for its general ministry and expenses, the care of widows, orphans, and others in need, and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.” (2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 6:10; James 1:27; 1 John 3:17-18)
While we understand that there are many aspects of our Christian worship (i.e., singing, prayer, Bible study, preaching), throughout scripture we see that our relationship with money and our generosity in giving is also a great aspect of the worship we give for the glory of God.
It is understandable that many people today struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized and abused often. In some other churches it is given limited attention at all. However, as we study scripture, we learn that giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing in the life of the believer and a blessing for the life and ministry of the church.
What about tithing? Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10% of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5).
Interestingly, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would suggest, if people still felt the Old Testament tithe was still active in the church today, honestly, that tithe would push the percentage closer to 23.3 % of a family’s income instead of 10%.
However, after the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to the Old Testament tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
So, is 10% still a good guideline to follow? Yes, we believe it is but, we are careful as not to establish this dogmatically. The New Testament talks about the expectation, importance, and benefits of giving throughout and we learn that we are to give as we are able. Sometimes this will mean giving more than 10%; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the heart/motive behind the gift. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of how much they are to give. However, what is clear in scripture is that God’s people will be a giving people. The way we see it, the Old Testament law clearly demonstrates that the tithe is an aspect of God’s standard for giving and we never find it an issue of sacrifice, but one of joy to participate in as a people. He is worthy!
More important than percentage is seeking to be “cheerful and regular” giver. Above all, our tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God, service to the body of Christ and for the good of an outside world. As members of RRBC, we are asking that each member covenant in being intentional and cheerful in their worship to God as a church through their giving. Each member’s tithe is used to provide for our overall church budget (utilities, building maintenance, employee salaries, mission partnership, church planting, local ministries, discipleship, and future outreach).
Without a giving church, many aspects of our church’s life and ministries would simply suffer. This is one of the overarching reasons for us to better define and provide a more robust understanding in the future of just how important your giving is to RRBC. In time, our prayer is that we are also giving the church clearer opportunities to grow in their joy and excitement in giving.
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