Why We Give
The first belongs to God. We find this principle all through God’s Word. Tithing, giving God the first ten percent of our income to the local church, is the primary way we acknowledge that God is first. (Proverbs 3:9,10)
Giving is the antidote for materialism. Whereas the tithe is giving ten percent of your income to the local church, an offering is given out of the ninety percent of your income. Therefore the offering is giving over and above the tithe. The Bible says that by giving generously we are able to “take hold of the life that is truly life.” You aren’t really living unless you are freely giving. (I Timothy 6:18,19)
Giving is the only area in the Bible where God invites us to test Him. Give your tithe (the first 10% of your income) to God and see if He does not open the floodgates of heaven to bless you in ways that you never dreamed possible. (Malachi 3:10)
Even when the stock market’s down, you can make an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime and beyond. By investing in the life-changing message of Jesus, you can leverage your money for eternal purposes. (I Timothy 6:7)