Tuesday, November 4 – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
- Josh Breslaw
- Nov 4
- 1 min read
What is a sacrifice for others might be easy for you. Most churches teach the necessity of giving a tithe, 10%. The Old Testament Law specified giving a tithe of the crops and livestock to the tabernacle or Temple for different projects throughout the year. In addition, Malachi 3:10 says to “bring your whole tithe into the storehouse.” This concept has carried over to the New Testament world in which we live, even though the New Testament and Jesus never mention a tithe. Jesus mentions giving your offerings.
That leads me back to my first statement. What is a sacrifice for others might be easy for you. Paul tells the Corinthian church that the Macedonians are being extremely generous, even though they are financially impoverished. This statement serves as a warning to them because, as we will read tomorrow, the richer Corinthian church is giving less to the Jerusalem Collection than the poorer Macedonians. The Macedonians are sacrificially giving, but the Corinthians are just throwing change into the coffers.
Each of us needs to give as God directs us. Some can easily give 10%, and 90% is plenty to live on. What I will tell us (me included) is we need to give more than 10% (I do indeed give more than 10%. I don’t say this because of pride but to be an example to others who can give more). For those whose 10% is hard to give and 90% doesn’t pay the bills, give as God leads you to give. Give your best to God, whatever that is. Like the Macedonians, give as much as you are able.
Comments