Some may not know that it is biblical to give. Some don’t like talking about giving and others love giving with cheerful hearts to further the kingdom. Giving is more than just about money; it’s about what that money is going to do. I personally have been giving to missions. I feel honored to be a part of something that is happening around the world while I stay in the comfort of my hometown. I now want to take the journey to give my time and energy to be boots on the ground. The money given will give me the means to travel, insurance, food, shelter, and supplies needed to be able to reach unreached people, allowing Jesus to change their lives as well as my own life. It will be an investment to their futures as well as my own.
In the Bible, there are examples of giving in the Old and New Testament. Let’s take a look at them.
Numbers 18:24 talks about how the Levite’s received tithes. They received tithes to maintain the temple and support their needs. The Jews gave their tithes to the benefit the temple and priests.
Luke 8:2-3 speaks of the many people who supported Jesus and His disciples. These verses state that they gave from their own resources or provisions to Jesus so that he could further His ministry. These resources could have been food, money, water, shelter, or whatever the need was at the time.
Mathew 10:9-10 explains that a Kingdom worker is worthy of His support. It says the one who works for the Lord will be provided for.
1 Corinthians 9:3-13- “This is my answer to those who question my authority. Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves? What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.”
Paul was explaining that ministers of the Gospel have the right to be supported by the churches. They give time and energy to the church and the kingdom. Part of our Gospel responsibility is to supply these ministers with the necessities they need to continue their work. (If you want to read more on this read 1 Corinthians 9:1-18.)
Clearly, giving is a mandate from Scripture and an incredible opportunity. There are many examples of giving and how it affects and blesses the person. The world runs on money; you cannot do much without it. So, instead of stepping foot into another country to live in a tent with no air conditioner or rafting down a rushing river to get to a small village that can only be reached in that way. You can take this opportunity to give your provisions and be hands extended for the Kingdom of God.
Thank you to all my supporters, friends, and family. I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate all the ways you support and encourage me on this journey.
