What and Why of Giving

What and Why of Giving

For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son… John 3:16a.

 

God gave!  He gave His Son, His Son gave His life.  He gave us abundant life on earth.  He gave us eternal life in heaven.  God gave us the Holy Spirit who gives us gifts and wisdom and peace.  It takes courage, but if we want to become more like God, like Jesus, then we follow their example to become extravagant givers!

 

Giving at THE GATHERING is affectionately known as “bringing back” to God a portion of our financial resources. It’s our opportunity to give God our thanks, show God we trust Him and to combat the natural greed in our hearts…and all while joining in on the most important work of life…connecting people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Let’s divide financial giving into 2 categories:  tithes and offerings.

The Bible teaches that a tithe (which literally means a 10th) of income was to be contributed to the local church.   In the second half of the Bible, or New Testament, Jesus was born.  His life’s example reinforced the tithe and encouraged us to give “over and above” it.  The “over and above” is called an offering.

We believe that you can’t out give God. So when we “bring back” to Him what is already His, we know He will bless the rest (Proverbs 3:9-10 and Malachi 3:1-12).