In what ways can we ensure our giving aligns with biblical principles today? Numbers 18:25 – A Snapshot of Covenant Giving “ ‘The LORD also said to Moses, “Speak to the Levites and tell them: When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I have given you as your inheritance, you are to present an offering from it to the LORD — a tithe of the tithe.”’ ” Key Principles in the Passage • God is Owner; His people are stewards • Tithing is purposeful, not random • Even those who live on tithes (Levites) still tithe, modeling accountability • Giving happens first, before personal use (“a tithe of the tithe”) Harmony with the Rest of Scripture • Malachi 3:10 — open‐handed giving invites God’s open heavens • Proverbs 3:9-10 — honor the LORD with “firstfruits,” not leftovers • Matthew 6:21 — giving reveals the true location of the heart • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — cheerful, proportionate, generous giving reaps spiritual harvest • Luke 6:38 — God’s measure exceeds ours • Acts 4:32-35 — the early church’s gifts met real, local needs Practical Ways to Align Our Giving Today • Set aside the “first portion” as soon as income arrives • Give through the local church, the New-Covenant parallel to Israel’s sanctuary • Consider a starting benchmark of the tithe, then add freewill offerings as God prospers • Support vocational ministers and missionaries who serve like Levites (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) • Invest in mercy ministries — widows, orphans, the poor (James 1:27) • Plan generosity into your budget; spontaneity is fine, but planning multiplies impact • Review income regularly so giving stays proportionate Guardrails for Integrity and Joy • Keep records; transparency protects testimony (2 Corinthians 8:20-21) • Pray before each financial decision; resist emotional manipulation • Give anonymously when possible (Matthew 6:3-4) • Avoid debt-financed generosity; God loves willing, not pressured, hearts • Celebrate testimonies of how God uses gifts — fuel for continued faithfulness Everyday Living It Out • Schedule automatic transfers to make “firstfruits” practical • Teach children to give from allowances and gifts, shaping lifelong habits • Link talents and time with treasure; holistic stewardship magnifies blessing • Regularly thank God for income and the privilege of partnering in His work Following these patterns keeps our giving anchored in Scripture, honors the Lord who supplies every good gift, and advances His work with integrity and joy. |
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