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2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Of all the Old Testament laws, tithing is one of the most commonly taught today; often to encourage giving to the church. Some people tithe out of guilt or a sense of pressure. Yet, Scripture tells us not to give under compulsion. We should not give out of mere obligation or with a heavy heart. If we truly believe God will multiply what we give, we can give with joy, whether as a tithe or an amount we have purposed in our hearts.
I have experienced that God multiplies what we give. I have also seen Him stretch what remains as He did with the five loaves and two fishes. After we give, what is left is blessed and often goes further than expected. We may find sales, discover investment opportunities, or gain new insight into how to steward our resources more wisely.
When we trust God with our finances and with our giving, He blesses us. I was thinking this morning about when I traded in my vehicle at lease-end, a couple of years ago. It had very low mileage, the buyout price was low for a luxury vehicle, and it ran like new with no mechanical issues. Still, I felt led to trade it in for an electric vehicle. I set a maximum monthly payment and, after steady negotiation, purchased the new vehicle within that amount. Do not be afraid to negotiate.
That electric vehicle is now saving me significant money on gas. Because I have a charging station at home, my cost per mile is minimal. At the time, the trade did not seem to make sense, on the surface. However, I trusted it was what God wanted me to do.
Today is Mother’s Day. It is an opportunity to give. “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Mothers make sacrifices all year and this is an opportunity to show our appreciation. Happy Mother’s Day! to all the mothers out there.
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