GIVE

Our relationship with Christ is a journey – a maturing process that deepens through the years and strengthens each time we flex our “faith muscles.” And one of those “muscles” involves becoming a generous Christ Follower. The Old Testament teaches about tithing – giving 10% of your income to the Lord for the work of the ministry. But in the New Testament Paul talks about generosity and how giving is more about our heart than our pocketbook. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul writes:

1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

As we each continue our journey with Christ, let’s challenge ourselves to continue to deepen our faith in the area of our finances. And we can do that by looking at our current pattern of giving and in faith taking the next step toward open-handed, generous discipleship.

For some of us, that will mean starting to give for the very first time. For others that might mean to begin to give regularly and purposefully (weekly/monthly). Others might consider stretching that faith muscle by beginning to tithe, and for some it might mean becoming lavish givers as the Lord leads us to give.

However the Lord leads you, we invite you to start 2024 by prayerfully seeking the Lord’s will for you in this area and look forward to hearing your stories of faith and growth as we celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness to us!Thank you for you generosity!