Updated July 2021.
At Ekklesia 360, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to inspire. When something resonates with us, we want to share it with you, too!
When it comes to tithes and offering, we like to emphasize that it’s more than just giving funds to your church. It’s about finding that connection with your faith that truly inspires you to give, furthering the church's mission, and strengthening your personal relationship with God.
We like to look for inspiration in the Bible (of course!). It seems like every time we read through our favorite passages, we can see a new angle or feel reminded of the truth.
Here are our 8 favorite passages to read when we want to inspire and give deeper meaning to our tithes and offering:
*Note: feel free to share these verses with your congregation as a reminder of why we give!
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Several scriptures throughout the Bible state that obedience brings blessing. In the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives several reminders on areas we need to be obedient. He tells us to love our enemies and to not judge others. He also says that when we are obedient to forgive others, we are blessed in return by being forgiven. In the next breath, Jesus says to, "Give, and it will be given to you." When we are obedient in our giving, we will not only be blessed in return, but our blessings will be "running over."
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
The Bible is full of "spiritual laws." No matter where your church focuses, it’s a useful exercise to remember these principles. This spiritual law is based on a physical law, one that many farmers depend on. When a farmer sows (plants) a seed, they will reap (harvest) the benefit in due time. This concept applies in the spiritual realm as well—if you sow kindness into someone's life, others will be kind to you. When it comes to tithes and offering, if you give a little, you will get a little in return, but if you are generous, you will receive much.
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
One definition of the word “refreshed” is to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, and care. Some synonyms of this word include:
The thought of feeling refreshed sounds wonderful, doesn't it? According to one of the wisest men who ever lived, King Solomon (the author of the book of Proverbs), in order to be refreshed, we simply need to help others to be refreshed. And if you're generous in doing so, you will prosper.
1 Chronicles 29:3
“And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple.”
King David knew he would not be the one to build God’s temple. His son, Solomon was God’s chosen king to rule over Israel when David was gone. And yet, while David was still alive, he gave all he had of his personal wealth to fund the construction of a temple he would never see. His faith and devotion to the Lord was more important than his personal luxuries and riches. Just like David, we need to think ahead towards a future of ministry that lasts even when our time has come to an end.
Matthew 20:15
"Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’"
In this parable, the first group of workers who had been in the vineyard the longest resented the fact that they received the same wages as those who showed up at the end of the day. This particular quote in Matthew 20:15 is the landowner's response to the workers who felt an injustice had been committed. Just as the landowner had money to give, we have it to give. And just like the landowner, we should try to be generous. The workers were rewarded by the landowner's generosity, and you, too, can reward someone with yours.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is reminding the church in Corinth about the promise they made to collect money for other believers. Earlier in chapter 9, Paul told them that their gifts should not be given out of mere obligation but in the spirit of generosity. When it comes to giving, the church in Corinth most likely had some of the same struggles modern day churchgoers have. But what Paul told the church back then still holds true today: God does indeed love a cheerful giver.
Acts 20:35
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"
Some people struggle with giving, especially when it comes to helping those who are “other.” We struggle to remember the weak, poor, and needy. People come up with all kinds of reasons not to give, but when such thoughts come to mind, simply remember the words of Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." That’s all there is to it!
Proverbs 3:9
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."
Maybe you don't think this scripture applies to you because you're not wealthy. But according to other passages in the Bible, you don't have to be wealthy in order to give. Remember the widow in the book of Luke? She only gave two mites, but she gave all she had. Jesus commended her for giving out of her poverty. No matter how much (or how little) money you have, when you give some of it to God, you will honor Him in doing so. Sometimes it takes a step of faith to give out of lack, but God loves it when you do.