Biblical foundation for financial commitment
We hear frequently about giving of our treasure. That’s not by accident. Throughout the Old and the New Testament, the authors of the Bible corroborate the importance of financial giving as a tenet of Christianity.
“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You can not serve both God and money.”
--Luke 16:14
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” –-Luke 12:15
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
–-Matthew 6:21
biblical guidance on how much to give
Whether in the Old Testament or New Testament, whether the audience is wealthy or poor, the bible is consistent in message: give generously. Specifically, the bible directs us to give a tithe of 10% of our income, but that need not be an upper limit. For a great tool, take a look at the Personal Plan for Giving Growth here.
Pledges/gifts are almost completely confidential. Only two people who run our church database and the two elders they work with on the finance team ever know about specific pledges/gifts. Pastors are not aware of your pledge or other contributions.
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this, the Lord your God will bless you in all you work and in everything you put your hand to.”
– Deuteronomy 15:10
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.”
– Deuteronomy 16:17
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year… so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.” – Deuteronomy 14:22-23
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” – II Corinthians 9:6-8
For some great nurture and rock solid planning tools, visit Learn More and Tools for Planning.
Biblical assurance of the reward for giving
For many, making a financial commitment can be disconcerting, especially during a challenging economy or in the deafening noise of our material culture. When the messages of our society are out of alignment with the message of our God, it’s sometimes difficult to remember there is a significant reward for giving back a proportion of what He has given to us. The Bible provides comfort and assurance that not only will others benefit from one’s financial sacrifice, but the giver will too.
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” – Luke 6:38
“Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
The Bible teaches us to be generous with what we are given and content with what we have so that when we are blessed, we can then bless others rather than consuming, hoarding and holding back (Luke 12:14-21). Your financial commitment touches people in real and tangible ways as you support the Mission and Ministries of SPC.
