Knowing God in our Giving
On a good day, we don't dwell on money or time. But when times are tough, we often find ourselves stuck in the same economic narrative, rooted in scarcity and uncertainty. Why is it so challenging to prioritize time and give to the Lord? In today's economy of time and money, we often beat ourselves up over these temporal concerns. What is the real issue that keeps us in this cycle? Can we break free to live abundantly in God’s grace now and forever?
One Sunday, I asked God, “How much should I tithe today?” His answer was, “Give Me your time.” Confusion clouded my thoughts, and I doubted the inner voice. I thought I must have misheard because I was trying to avoid a specific amount. However, I later came to understand that God values my time more than my possessions. Throughout the week, this realization weighed heavily on my heart. I slowly began to realize the greater struggle we face in giving our time compared to our possessions. In many contexts, time is equated with productivity (work), a means to earn money so that we can give. Does this connect with your current season? Do you actively participate in a church or prioritize time for a faith community? Do you pause to dedicate time to the Lord through worship or devotional practices? If not, I hope this writing will sow into a new hunger for Jesus.
What is the Kingdom of God to you?
In today's world, we are so immersed in earthly matters that we often forget to live as it is in heaven. Let’s try a simple exercise.
Close your eyes and envision a clear blue sky, then slowly shift your focus to the layers of the earth's atmosphere. Now, contemplate the vastness of our universe.
Can you fathom that God's thoughts are higher than even the vastness of the universe? Did your faith spring up in a mere moment? Would you take a minute to breathe and acknowledge that God is immense and generous with His Kingdom, creation, and ideas?
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways My ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are My ways higher than your ways
and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
I hope you find this verse refreshing once more. Keep it close and meditate on it. This is the heartbeat of our Father's love: He loves us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus. Whoever believes in Him shall be saved! We are not only saved from the sins of the earth, but our names are also written in the book of life! How amazing is that? For all eternity, we belong to Him.
Why does God teach us to tithe?
The concept of tithing is rooted in the Old Testament, where it was a practice of giving a tenth of one's earnings or produce to God. While the New Testament doesn't explicitly command tithing, it does emphasize principles of generosity, stewardship, and supporting the work of God's kingdom.
Jesus speaks about the importance of giving and generosity, often highlighting the attitude of the heart rather than a specific percentage. For example, in the story of the widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44),
Jesus praises her small gift because it was all she had and she gave it with a generous heart.
The practice of tithing can be seen as a way to honor God with our finances and acknowledge that everything we have ultimately comes from Him. It can also be a practical way to support the work of the church and those in need. Ultimately, encouraging us to give cheerfully, generously, and according to our means (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
In 2 Chronicles 31, about the sacrificial giving of God’s people. It didn’t even begin until they made the sacrifices necessary in their own lives to draw close to God. Once they drew close to God, they were better able to serve others – and the same is true of us. Spiritual transformation can only happen if we first open our hearts to God in worship and let him create in us clean hearts and new attitudes. 1
Giving unto the Lord is a profound way to express our dependence on His grace and provision in our lives. It's a tangible way to acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and to participate in bringing His kingdom values to earth. When we give with a heart that values generosity and stewardship, we align ourselves with God's purposes and demonstrate our trust in His provision. It's not just about the act of giving; it's about the attitude of the heart behind it, reflecting the generosity and love of God to others.
How can we freely give?
First by freely receiving. Understanding our identity in Christ and receiving His love is foundational to living a life of gratitude and generosity. When we truly grasp the depth of God's love for us and the blessings He freely gives, our hearts naturally overflow with gratitude. This gratitude transforms the way we receive and perceive the gifts and blessings in our lives. Instead of taking them for granted, we appreciate them as expressions of God's love and faithfulness.
Our giving is a measure of our gratitude, our gratitude is the measure of our comprehension of God’s grace. -PS Benjamin Lim
May I emphasize that God does not need anything from us, but He wants everything for us. It is His nature to seek intimacy with us, to mend our broken hearts and unbelief. The Bible is replete with His promises and blessings, and He is always ready to pour them out. The question is, are we ready to receive? Are we willing to empty our hearts of what fills them? If time and money become excuses for not serving God, then we must repent and relearn to tithe. We desire more of Jesus and less of ourselves. Seeking to build His temple, not our own.
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build My house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of My house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops…” Haggai 1:7-10
How we interpret this passage indeed reflects our hunger for God. If our hearts are not aligned with God, our giving may become mere religious performance rather than relational. Therefore, let us give careful thought to our ways. Tithing our time and money is a way we can quieten our hearts and give God our lives wholeheartedly.
It is not difficult to give when we know Who God is. My prayer is that you will have a continual revelation of God’s love, so that your heart will be filled with His goodness. Even on days when you feel lacking, may you wait upon the Lord with confidence in His provision from heaven to earth.
Lastly, I'd like to share a thought I had regarding my girlfriend's recent reflections on missing community while being preoccupied with work.
The more you grow to love God, the more you desire to love His people. Perhaps that explains her desire for community. Reflecting her deepening love for God into a carrier of His presence.
If you’re wondering about community, here’s another blog to catch you up on Nurturing Communities - God’s way!
ps: I’m also on Substack, if you’re already a reader or fellow writer, let’s connect!
