Cheerful Giver

I went to give blood yesterday.  It wasn’t that I really want to but they called and said they needed it. So, it was the right thing to do. Right?

I mentioned before how I don’t tithe as much as I should.  Why is it that I can so freely give up my own blood, that which my body needs to survive, that which is also unpleasant to give, and not be just as willingly free with my money.  Isn’t my money just as God given as my blood is? Look what God gave me. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

I most definitely do not give 10% as the Old Testament instructs me do.  What does that say about my faith?  It says I don’t trust God enough to replenish what I give to him. 

And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.-  Genesis 14:20


 And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman's staff, shall be holy to the Lord. - Leviticus 27:32


Above are a couple of verses that mention the percentage of ten.  Here are some other verses that offer a different way to tithe.


Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce ;-  Proverbs 3:9


Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.  -2 Corinthians 8:14

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  -2 Corinthian 9:7

I think that that Lords wants us to give from the start (firstfruits). Before paying bills, before buying groceries, before getting that pedicure.  I think 10% is a good round number, however, there will be times  when you can (and should) give more, and then there times when you can’t.  The biggest point is to trust wholeheartedly the Lord our God and faithfully know that He will provide.  He will replenish.  He will sustain.  Can I get an Amen?

Above all, all tithes should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God.  We must be cheerful givers.

*The greatest giver this world has ever known was Jesus Christ. Leaving behind the riches and glory of His heavenly kingdom, He came to Earth and willingly gave His life so that we could keep ours. As God predestined His children to be conformed to the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29), there can be no better way to emulate Jesus Christ than by giving selflessly the way He did. Our Savior Himself told us: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Quite simply, then, our greatest motivation for cheerful and generous giving should be that it pleases the Lord and reflects His gift of salvation to us.*

*Quote taken from The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn