PROVERBS 28:27 (KJV): He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the timeless biblical call to generosity and stewardship, revealing how faithful tithing and offerings embody God’s selfless love while inviting His abundant provision into our lives. Drawing from Scripture and inspired writings, it examines the urgency of prioritizing divine work, the rewards of obedience, the perils of delay, and the transformative power of giving in community and society, ultimately challenging us to live as joyful stewards who mirror heaven’s liberality and experience eternal joy in selfless service.

GENEROSITY: FAITH’S FOUNDATION!

Generosity is a cornerstone of faith across various traditions, uniting people through a shared call to give selflessly. Scripture captures this essence in Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, KJV). Generosity flows from a heart attuned to God’s bounty. He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor (Proverbs 22:9, KJV). Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38, KJV). Ellen G. White captures this spirit, declaring that the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord’s work. Of the means entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion,—the tenth (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 74, 1911). A passage from Christ’s Object Lessons reminds us that the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, … if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing (p. 144, 1900). These assurances deepen our commitment to selfless acts. This truth resonates across religious and cultural boundaries, inspiring us to reflect God’s love through faithful stewardship, yet how do we respond when external pressures tempt us to delay in supporting His cause?

PRIORITIZE: GOD’S WORK FIRST!

Faithful giving demands prompt obedience, as seen in the Israelites’ return from Babylonian captivity. God stirred their hearts to rebuild the temple, yet they hesitated amid personal concerns and opposition (Ezra 1:1-4, KJV). Their delay brought divine correction, as “Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough” (Haggai 1:6, KJV). Prompt action honors divine timing. And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord (Leviticus 27:30, KJV). Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness (Romans 12:8, KJV). Through inspired counsel, the inspired pen warns that pleas for delay are a dishonor to God (The Review and Herald, Vol. 6, pp. 344-364, 1891). In The Adventist Home, we read that the tithes and offerings will prove a safeguard to every family against temptations to spend means for needless things (p. 368, 1952). Such guidance reveals the cost of hesitation. Procrastination often results in spiritual and material loss, urging us to put God’s work first, but what assurance do we have that obedience unlocks God’s faithful provision in return?

OBEY: UNLOCK DIVINE BOUNTY!

God challenges His people to test His faithfulness through giving. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:10, KJV). This invitation builds trust in divine abundance. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV). The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself (Proverbs 11:25, KJV). Sr. White affirms in Testimonies for the Church that such blessings would be received that gifts and offerings for sacred purposes would be multiplied tenfold (Vol. 4, p. 474, 1881). A prophetic voice echoes in The Acts of the Apostles, urging that the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house (p. 338, 1911). These words illuminate God’s generous response. Faithful stewardship transforms giving from obligation to opportunity, unlocking blessings that reflect God’s provision, yet what happens when we choose to withhold what belongs to Him?

WITHHOLD: INVITE CURSE?

Neglecting tithes and offerings invites hardship, as evidenced in Malachi 3:7-9, where God accuses Israel of robbing Him. Their disobedience led to curses upon their labor. Withholding disrupts our bond with the Creator. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone (Matthew 23:23, KJV). He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again (Proverbs 19:17, KJV). Through inspired counsel, a passage from The Acts of the Apostles declares, Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation (p. 339, 1911). In The Adventist Home, Sr. White counsels, Pay Tithe and Offerings —Not only does the Lord claim the tithe as His own, but He tells us how it should be reserved for Him (p. 389, 1952). These insights highlight our dependence on His ownership. This underscores that giving is not just financial but spiritual, affirming our reliance on God’s ownership of all resources, so how then does generous giving become a reflection of His very character?

GIVE: MIRROR GOD’S HEART!

Faithful giving mirrors God’s unconditional love, offering hope and care to others. Just as God gives abundantly to sustain creation, we are called to emulate His generosity. “The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 494, 1890). Liberality echoes divine compassion. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always (Deuteronomy 14:22-23, KJV). But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6, KJV). In The Acts of the Apostles, inspired writings note in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings (p. 75, 1911). A prophetic voice adds that the tithe was but a part of God’s plan for the support of His service (p. 336, 1911). Such truths guide our hearts toward others. When we give, we reflect God’s character, showing compassion to the weak and needy, yet in a materialistic age, how can we apply this principle to strengthen our communities today?

APPLY: TRANSFORM SOCIETY!

In a world often driven by materialism, the principle of faithful giving challenges us to prioritize eternal values over earthly gain. Whether supporting the church, aiding the poor, or funding community programs, our giving impacts both spiritual growth and societal well-being. Sr. White asserts in Testimonies for the Church: “The world will be convinced, not by what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives” (Vol. 9, p. 21, 1909). Generosity shapes lives visibly. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate (1 Timothy 6:17-18, KJV). Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase (Proverbs 3:9, KJV). Through inspired counsel in Christian Leadership, God will execute upon them just that which He has declared. To the obedient, He will give rich blessings (p. 71, 1934). In Child Guidance, a passage reminds us that concerning tithes and offerings is registered in the books of heaven as robbery toward Him (p. 152, 1954). These principles propel action. By practicing generosity, we demonstrate God’s love in action, leading us to embrace the profound joy this stewardship brings in our daily walk.

EMBRACE: STEWARDSHIP’S JOY!

The principle of giving reveals God’s love through His call for selflessness, provision for the faithful, and blessings upon those who obey. Scripture reminds us of the joy found in giving, a joy that transcends material wealth (Acts 20:35, KJV). Selflessness aligns us with heaven’s rhythm. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV). The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself (Proverbs 11:25, KJV). Ellen G. White illuminates this in Counsels on Stewardship, emphasizing voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord’s work (p. 81, 1940). Through inspired writings in The Ministry of Healing, generous impulses lay their possessor under a weighty responsibility (p. 198, 1905). These revelations stir the soul. As we embrace stewardship, may we reflect the generosity of heaven, affirming our trust in God’s care and transforming lives through His blessings.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV).

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths on stewardship, allowing them to shape my daily priorities and financial decisions?

How can we adapt these principles of generous giving to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from longtime community members to newcomers or those from varying backgrounds, without diluting scriptural depth?

What are the most common misunderstandings about tithing and offerings in our circles, and how can I address them compassionately using Bible texts and Sr. White’s insights?

In what everyday practices can our gatherings and personal lives shine brighter as examples of God’s provision, actively sharing resources to foster hope and unity in anticipation of Christ’s return?