“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.” – Luke 6:38
Giving with a Grateful Heart
As we consider the concept of tithe in the New Testament, it is vital for us to understand the motivation behind our giving. God desires for us to give not out of obligation, but from a place of gratitude and love. When we approach our giving with a joyful heart, acknowledging all the blessings we have received, it transforms both our attitude and our relationship with God. Through our generosity, we can actively participate in God’s work and support our church community. In our hearts, we know that what we give reflects our understanding of how generously God has given to us. Let us give freely and with thankfulness, knowing it is an act of worship as much as it is a responsibility.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” – 1 Chronicles 29:14
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.'” – Acts 20:35
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” – 2 Corinthians 8:12
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Sowing Seeds of Faith
When we speak of tithe in the New Testament, we also need to reflect on the principle of sowing seeds. When we make the choice to give, we are creating an opportunity for God to work in our lives and in the lives of others. Our offerings can help to spread the gospel, assist those in need, and support various ministries. As we invest into God’s kingdom by our tithes, we are not just giving away material possessions but are rather sowing seeds of faith that will bear lasting fruit. This act allows us to trust in God’s provision, and undoubtedly, He will bless the work done through our generous hearts.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Luke 8:15
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” – Luke 8:15
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11
Mark 4:8
“Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.” – Mark 4:8
1 Corinthians 3:6
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:6
Cultivating Generosity in Our Hearts
As we explore the tithe mentioned in the New Testament, we see a deeper principle of generosity woven throughout Scripture. God calls us to cultivate a spirit of generosity, allowing it to overflow from our hearts. This means that our giving should not be limited to our monetary resources but also include our time, skills, and love for others. Generosity is a lifestyle that reflects God’s character. As we engage in acts of kindness, we create a culture of generosity that can uplift our communities. Our generosity can encourage others to join in, creating a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving in His name.
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:18
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Tithing as an Act of Worship
When we think about tithing in the New Testament, we realize it’s far more than just a financial transaction. Tithing is an important act of worship that reveals the state of our hearts. It is an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and our dependence on Him. When we give our tithe, we are offering a portion of what we have as an act of reverence and gratitude towards Him. It is a reminder that God is our provider and that everything we have comes from Him. This practice allows us to express our love for God as we trust Him to continue guiding and protecting us.
Revelation 11:16
“And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God.” – Revelation 11:16
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24
Matthew 15:8
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” – Matthew 15:8
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Sacrificial Giving
Throughout the New Testament, we encounter the idea of sacrificial giving. Tithing serves as an essential reminder that we are called to give from a place that may require us to stretch beyond our comfort zones. It speaks to us of selflessness, where we give not just what is easy or convenient but what may cost us something significant. This form of giving reveals our faith in God’s provision and reflects the love Christ showed through His ultimate sacrifice. When we embrace sacrificial giving, we align ourselves with the heart of God, showcasing His love to others and aiding in the building of His kingdom.
Mark 12:43-44
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'” – Mark 12:43-44
2 Corinthians 8:3
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own.” – 2 Corinthians 8:3
Acts 2:44-45
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:44-45
Philippians 2:17
“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” – Philippians 2:17
Luke 21:1-4
“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.'” – Luke 21:1-4
Faithful Stewardship
As Christians, when we consider the topic of tithe in the New Testament, we need to reflect on our responsibility as stewards of God’s resources. This means that we are called to manage what God has given us wisely and faithfully. Tithing is one way we demonstrate that we understand the importance of being good stewards. Our giving is a reflection of our stewardship, and when we surrender our finances to God, He can multiply our efforts for His glory. By being faithful in our giving, we align our priorities with God’s purpose and plan for our lives.
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'” – Matthew 25:21
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of tithe in the New Testament, we are reminded of the importance of giving with gratitude and joy. It goes beyond mere obligation; it is about our hearts and our relationship with God. Our giving has the power to sow seeds of faith and cultivate a spirit of generosity that blesses both us and our communities. The act of tithing becomes a form of worship, where we acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives and express our dependence on Him. It is a beautiful opportunity for us to practice sacrificial giving, aligning our hearts with Christ’s love. Ultimately, our faithfulness in stewardship helps us grow closer to God and fulfills our purpose in His kingdom.
We encourage all of you to explore further topics related to your Christian journey. Check out the duties of a Christian, and also dive into some insight about the early church. May these lessons inspire and equip us all as we seek to honor God with our lives.