How can we balance tithing with practicing justice and love, as in Luke 11:42? The Heart of the Passage “ ‘But woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and rue and every herb, yet you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.’ ” (Luke 11:42) Why Jesus Spoke So Sharply • The Pharisees obeyed the letter of the Law in tithing tiny garden herbs. • They ignored the “weightier” commands—justice and love—revealing a heart problem. • Jesus affirms tithing (“without neglecting the former”) while insisting it flow from a life characterized by mercy and covenant love. Tithing: A Clear, Ongoing Expectation • Established under the Law (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22). • Reinforced after the exile (Malachi 3:10). • Endorsed by Jesus (Luke 11:42; Matthew 23:23). • Modeled by the early church in generous giving (Acts 4:34-35; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Key truth: Giving the first tenth of increase honors the Lord (Proverbs 3:9). Justice and Love: The Weightier Matters • Justice (Hebrew: mishpat) – fair, righteous treatment of others (Isaiah 1:17). • Love (agapē) – sacrificial affection that mirrors God’s heart (1 John 3:17-18). • God consistently links worship with ethical living (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). Key truth: Genuine devotion is proven by how we treat people, especially the vulnerable. Why Both Matter Together 1. Tithing without justice and love becomes legalism. 2. Justice and love without tithing can ignore God’s call to worship Him materially. 3. When united, they display a whole-hearted obedience that exalts God and blesses neighbor. Practical Steps to Keep Them Together • Set aside the tithe first; then budget generosity beyond the tithe for benevolence and missions. • Pair financial giving with personal involvement—visit the widow, mentor the fatherless, serve the poor. • Evaluate decisions by two questions: – Does this honor the Lord’s ownership of my resources? – Does this reflect His compassion and fairness toward people? • Guard your heart: celebrate giving quietly (Matthew 6:3-4) and act justly even when unseen (Colossians 3:23-24). • Invite accountability—share goals with a mature believer who values both stewardship and mercy. Personal Inventory Checklist □ Am I faithfully tithing my income? □ Do I actively seek justice for the oppressed? □ Is my giving motivated by love, not duty alone? □ Are generosity and compassion woven into my daily schedule? □ Do my financial records and my calendar tell the same story of devotion? Encouragement for Everyday Life Balancing tithing with justice and love is not a tightrope; it is a Spirit-empowered walk. As we honor God with our wealth and embody His heart toward others, we fulfill Jesus’ call to “practice the latter, without neglecting the former.” |
    |