Exodus 35:29 (ESV): “29 All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.”
Tithing is commanded in Scripture but a freewill offering was not. A person would make a freewill offering out of the overflow of their heart to God. The New Testament mandate for giving is the latter. We should give from the overflow of our hearts.
Moses was instructed by God to collect contributions for the building of the Tabernacle. God said, “Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution (vs 35).” It was a requirement to bring something but the substance of the contribution would be given from the heart. This is how we are to make our contributions to the Lord today. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (ESV): “6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” We must give, but the amount should be determined in the heart.
Are you giving to GOD begrudgingly today? If you are then your heart is bound by law. The heart filled with grace gives freely, not reluctantly or under compulsion. God doesn't need your money, He needs your heart. When He has your heart He has your money. Only a person who is captivated by wonder and filled with abundant grace can grasp this reality. Don't be like the rich young ruler whose god was money. Let the King of Kings rule your heart and you will freely give. Amen?
Father, we thank You for freely giving us Your Son. Far more precious than silver and gold is He. May you have our hearts as we have Yours we pray in Jesus name, Amen.
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