Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart, you shall take My offering. (Exodus 25:1-2)
To make the tabernacle, God asked the people for an offering. But, He specifically told Moses to accept an offering only from those who give willingly from the heart.
Many times pastors or church leaders coerced the congregation into throwing an offering or in paying their tithes.
They will tell the congregation that if they do not pay their tithes God will curse them. Note the use of the word ‘pay‘.
By using this word it appears as if we owe God something or we have to pay God for His blessings. Hence many church folks ‘pay’ their tithes unwilling or grudgingly similar to how they pay their bills and taxes.
None of us like to pay bills or taxes and we often do this with a heavy heart.
Read also: Pay or give?
Therefore, it does not matter the amount of money that we ‘pay’ in offering or tithes if we are not doing it from a willing and cheerful heart God does not accept it.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one gives as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
We should not give because we feel compelled to do so. Neither should we give because we want to show off our wealth like the rich people who threw their offering out of their abundance (Mark 12:41-44).
We should give with a willing and cheerful heart.
How do you know if your heart is cheerful?
When you are happy to give promptly and generously without being forced.
When you give mercifully and with compassion.
When you give without looking for a reward.
Truthfully speaking, I would love to give money out of my abundance with a cheerful heart.
I am tired of penny-pinching and giving only two mites or a few dollar bills. I want to be able to give $100 or more willingly without fretting on it. What do you think?
We should also bear in mind that giving is not only money, but it is our time and commitment to God and each other.
Some people will quickly give any amount of money to the church but are reluctant to give their life to God.
Will God accept your money and bless you without any commitment to Him?
The answer is debatable. But, we need to think about this question seriously.
How about you? Do you pay or give your tithes and offering?
Share with us your thoughts on the subject of offering and tithes. Thank you!
Related articles: Is tithing necessary?; Have you claim your inheritance?; The people God honors.
Becoming the Oil and the Wine 
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