1325. They Gave Proportionately

They Gave Proportionately

"For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves" (2Co_8:3).

This verse establishes for us the way we should determine the amount of our gifts. We should give according to our power, and we may give beyond our power. Proportionate giving is plainly God's purpose for believers. In 1Co_16:2, we read, "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." In 2Co_8:13-14, we read, "I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, and that their abundance also may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality."

When we bring our gifts to God, we must measure them according to what we receive. The Jews had a definite proportion stated. They gave their tenth, and beyond this they gave special tenths for special services. There are many today who give the Jewish tenth. We would not discourage this by any means. While we do not believe that we are under the Law and therefore duty bound to give one-tenth of our income to God, yet we remember that before the Law came in by Moses the tithe was established, before Moses was born Abraham gave a tenth, and Jacob also promised a tenth. If the tenth preceded Law, certainly it may follow after Law. We, surely who are under Christ, with enlarged blessings, cannot afford to think of giving a less proportion than the children of Israel gave.

It is true, however, that while all believers, doubtless, in deciding their proportion should at least give their tithe; some believers, who have larger incomes and perhaps less responsibilities in the way of personal expenses, should give far beyond the tithe. Of one thing we are certain. The New Testament clearly teaches that all believers should give proportionately, and not only proportionately but also systematically. When God's people bring in their gifts on this basis, wonderful results will accrue. The ministry will be well cared for; every need of the local church will be supplied; no committees will need to be appointed to raise money; no collections will need to be pressed at the church; and beside this, God will begin to open the very windows of Heaven and pour out spiritual blessings upon His people such as there will not be room to receive.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR