Give Generously to Otherstheir overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." 2 Corinthians 8:2 What is rich generosity?By the time Jesus arrived on the earth, the Jewish community had a well-developed system of financial generosity. The Bible describes at least three types of financial giving practiced during New Testament times: Tithes, Offerings, and Alms. When combined together, these three can result in rich generosity. TithesTithing was an Old Testament practice described in the Levitical law. “A tithe of everything from the land . . . belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” (Leviticus 27:30) Tithe means tenth. The Israelites were expected to give 10 percent of everything they produced to the LORD. The LORD God creates everything. He owns everything. He provides everything we have. He requires we give 10 percent of it back to Him right off the top.
Practical discipleship tips on modern day tithing
OfferingsThe Old Testament outlined a specific plan for making offerings to the LORD. Offerings were given over and above the tithe. They were given as a sacrifice. They usually required shed blood be included with the offering. Offerings were regularly given during New Testament times and were a form of financial generosity.
Practical discipleship tips on modern day offerings
AlmsAlms are compassionate gifts given to the poor. We don't use the word “alms” much today, but the practice is alive and well in the world today. People from all religions, political , socio-economic, and ideological backgrounds come together and set their differences aside when the poor need help.
Practical discipleship tips on alms
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Posted on March 20, 2009
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